and
And that's 2011 done with... apart from the pile of reviews I still have to post. More of them next Sunday.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
this week on 100 Films
No new reviews on 100 Films in a Year this week, but I have posted my two looks back at the previous year:
The Full List, which lists every film I saw in viewing order, plus a stack of fascinating statistics (now with graphs!)
and
In Retrospect, in which I list my five worst and ten best films of the year, as well as fifty I missed.
And that's 2011 done with... apart from the pile of reviews I still have to post. More of them next Sunday.
and
And that's 2011 done with... apart from the pile of reviews I still have to post. More of them next Sunday.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
TV
8 Out of 10 Cats Countdown: The Channel 4 Mash Up
Bits of both shows jumbled together? Ah, a proper mash-up.
[Watch some of it (again) on 4oD.]
Charlie Brooker's 2011 Wipe
Charlie Brooker recaps and satirises the year that was "like an end of season finale for all of mankind".
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Eternal Law
1x01 Episode 1
New supernatural/legal drama from the creators of Life on Mars. Also from the creators of the reviled Bonekickers, which is unfortunately more relevant. Despite the good writers, a good cast and an interesting high concept, this is the victim of weak writing (a slow start, an implausible courtroom), weak acting and too much unnecessary opacity in the way the premise is presented. Shame.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
House
8x08 Perils of Paranoia
This episode, aired in November, was the last one until the end of January. On the one hand, "oh America and your crazy scheduling!" On the other, I haven't watched it until now (partly because it was the last one until January), so what does it matter.
How I Met Your Mother
7x09 Disaster Averted
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Paddy's 2011 Show and Telly
I can't stand Paddy McGuinness, but I love TV and a quiz show about it sounded fun. But it's presented by Paddy McGuinness. Ugh. Appalling, for all kinds of reasons.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player. But I wouldn't if I were you.]
Pointless
5x37 (4/1/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Bits of both shows jumbled together? Ah, a proper mash-up.
[Watch some of it (again) on 4oD.]
Charlie Brooker's 2011 Wipe
Charlie Brooker recaps and satirises the year that was "like an end of season finale for all of mankind".
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Eternal Law
1x01 Episode 1
New supernatural/legal drama from the creators of Life on Mars. Also from the creators of the reviled Bonekickers, which is unfortunately more relevant. Despite the good writers, a good cast and an interesting high concept, this is the victim of weak writing (a slow start, an implausible courtroom), weak acting and too much unnecessary opacity in the way the premise is presented. Shame.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
House
8x08 Perils of Paranoia
This episode, aired in November, was the last one until the end of January. On the one hand, "oh America and your crazy scheduling!" On the other, I haven't watched it until now (partly because it was the last one until January), so what does it matter.
How I Met Your Mother
7x09 Disaster Averted
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Paddy's 2011 Show and Telly
I can't stand Paddy McGuinness, but I love TV and a quiz show about it sounded fun. But it's presented by Paddy McGuinness. Ugh. Appalling, for all kinds of reasons.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player. But I wouldn't if I were you.]
Pointless
5x37 (4/1/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
It really ought to be a quiet time in January, post-Christmas, but it's not going to be completely silent -- look, I've started already!
Number of titles in collection: 1,426 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,148 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 278 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 3,548 [up 11]
Number of films in collection: 1,519 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,388 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
It really ought to be a quiet time in January, post-Christmas, but it's not going to be completely silent -- look, I've started already!
Number of titles in collection: 1,426 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,148 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 278 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 3,548 [up 11]
Number of films in collection: 1,519 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,388 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 6 January 2012
TV
Absolutely Fabulous
6x01 Identity [Christmas special]
6x02 Job [New Year special]
You assume these kind of revivals are going to be at best pretty weak and at worst hopelessly embarrassing, but I thought these two episodes were actually rather funny. Not sure the mooted movie is a good idea though.
[Watch Identity and Job (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Many Faces of
Dame Judi Dench
The Mentalist
4x03 Pretty Red Balloon
US TV should be re-starting before too long, so I ought to catch up on the ones I've not seen... not that The Mentalist seemed to stop over Christmas.
Pointless
5x36 (3/1/12 edition)
Returning post-Christmas, Pointless returns to new episodes (last aired in October). Not that it matters much to me -- I hadn't seen the repeats they'd been showing anyway. Though I was dreadfully behind on them, and now have them all saved up for when they switch to repeating episodes I have seen.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
9x13 Intelligence (XL edition)
Being the one I missed that I keep going on about.
6x01 Identity [Christmas special]
6x02 Job [New Year special]
You assume these kind of revivals are going to be at best pretty weak and at worst hopelessly embarrassing, but I thought these two episodes were actually rather funny. Not sure the mooted movie is a good idea though.
[Watch Identity and Job (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Many Faces of
Dame Judi Dench
The Mentalist
4x03 Pretty Red Balloon
US TV should be re-starting before too long, so I ought to catch up on the ones I've not seen... not that The Mentalist seemed to stop over Christmas.
Pointless
5x36 (3/1/12 edition)
Returning post-Christmas, Pointless returns to new episodes (last aired in October). Not that it matters much to me -- I hadn't seen the repeats they'd been showing anyway. Though I was dreadfully behind on them, and now have them all saved up for when they switch to repeating episodes I have seen.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
9x13 Intelligence (XL edition)
Being the one I missed that I keep going on about.
Articles
Outnumbered to return for fifth series?
by Morgan Jeffery (from Digital Spy)
Fingers crossed for this one. Though I agree the kids are getting a bit too old and they should probably wrap it up soon, I think they should wrap it up soon rather than just stop it, and doing a fifth series this year -- rather than in 2013 as mooted -- seems to the best way to do that.
by Morgan Jeffery (from Digital Spy)
Fingers crossed for this one. Though I agree the kids are getting a bit too old and they should probably wrap it up soon, I think they should wrap it up soon rather than just stop it, and doing a fifth series this year -- rather than in 2013 as mooted -- seems to the best way to do that.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
TV
Earthflight
Part 1 North America (of 6)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Black Mirror
1x02 15 Million Merits
That was a bit bleak and depressing... much like the reality TV & app cultures it was satirising, then. That's what all the best sci-fi does: comment on the here & now. Usually such things are more subtle, but where does subtlety get you these days? And I'm sure plenty of people are too dim to get that this is a comment on where things are at now rather than where they might theoretically end up.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Lee Mack: Going Out
Apparently this was all-new, but as it went on I began to feel like I'd seen some of it before. Maybe just déjà vu, I dunno. (Last time I watched some Lee Mack stand-up, I had seen it before. Coincidencetastic.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x13 Episode 13 [season finale]
Just a best bits show, except for a couple of quite amusing outtakes near the end.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 1 North America (of 6)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Black Mirror
1x02 15 Million Merits
That was a bit bleak and depressing... much like the reality TV & app cultures it was satirising, then. That's what all the best sci-fi does: comment on the here & now. Usually such things are more subtle, but where does subtlety get you these days? And I'm sure plenty of people are too dim to get that this is a comment on where things are at now rather than where they might theoretically end up.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Lee Mack: Going Out
Apparently this was all-new, but as it went on I began to feel like I'd seen some of it before. Maybe just déjà vu, I dunno. (Last time I watched some Lee Mack stand-up, I had seen it before. Coincidencetastic.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x13 Episode 13 [season finale]
Just a best bits show, except for a couple of quite amusing outtakes near the end.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
TV
Comic Relief 2011: What a Cracker
A poorly-edited (every sketch was truncated! great stuff was missing!) set of highlights from last year's Comic Relief. Oh well.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Great Expectations
Part 3 (of 3)
I enjoyed that greatly. Makes me want to watch the David Lean film again to see if the bits I didn't remember were in it or not.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Misfits
2x07 Christmas Special [season finale]
3x00 Vegas Baby!
I didn't watch last year's special sooner because it wasn't near enough Christmas when I finished series two proper. Now I'm struggling to justify to myself that it's still Christmas season enough to get away with it. Oops. On the bright side, it is quite separate from the series proper -- set three months later, even -- so in that respect it's been a good gap. Great episode too.
Then there's the amusing, and surprisingly long, series three prequel, explaining the departure of a major character (I'm sure if you care you know who, even if you're as behind as me). As well as 4oD, the prequel's available on iTunes for free -- and in HD too! -- here.
[Watch the Christmas special and Vegas Baby! (again) on 4oD.]
A poorly-edited (every sketch was truncated! great stuff was missing!) set of highlights from last year's Comic Relief. Oh well.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Great Expectations
Part 3 (of 3)
I enjoyed that greatly. Makes me want to watch the David Lean film again to see if the bits I didn't remember were in it or not.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Misfits
2x07 Christmas Special [season finale]
3x00 Vegas Baby!
I didn't watch last year's special sooner because it wasn't near enough Christmas when I finished series two proper. Now I'm struggling to justify to myself that it's still Christmas season enough to get away with it. Oops. On the bright side, it is quite separate from the series proper -- set three months later, even -- so in that respect it's been a good gap. Great episode too.
Then there's the amusing, and surprisingly long, series three prequel, explaining the departure of a major character (I'm sure if you care you know who, even if you're as behind as me). As well as 4oD, the prequel's available on iTunes for free -- and in HD too! -- here.
[Watch the Christmas special and Vegas Baby! (again) on 4oD.]
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
TV
Great Expectations
Part 2 (of 3)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Little Crackers
2x01 My First Brassiere
QI
9x15 Ice (XL edition) [Christmas special]
Keeping track of QI has becoming a nightmare over Christmas, where they've shown a mix of old and new episodes in both regular and XL editions. Plus they've apparently put some brand-new stuff in those VG episodes, aside from all the best bits and best-bits-of-episodes-not-yet-shown; and then there's that episode I missed, which it turns out I have recorded.
Is it all just some kind of test for those people who want to see every episode in its fullest form, I wonder?
[Watch QI XL (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 2 (of 3)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Little Crackers
2x01 My First Brassiere
QI
9x15 Ice (XL edition) [Christmas special]
Keeping track of QI has becoming a nightmare over Christmas, where they've shown a mix of old and new episodes in both regular and XL editions. Plus they've apparently put some brand-new stuff in those VG episodes, aside from all the best bits and best-bits-of-episodes-not-yet-shown; and then there's that episode I missed, which it turns out I have recorded.
Is it all just some kind of test for those people who want to see every episode in its fullest form, I wonder?
[Watch QI XL (again) on iPlayer.]
Monday, 2 January 2012
TV
Top Gear
18x00 India Special
This year's Christmas special sees the boys "set off on an epic road trip across India", which doesn't sound quite as iconically Christmas as last year's baby Jesus-themed thing.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
18x00 India Special
This year's Christmas special sees the boys "set off on an epic road trip across India", which doesn't sound quite as iconically Christmas as last year's baby Jesus-themed thing.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Films
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
[2nd watch]
This was #70 in 100 Films 2011, and why I watched it again today will become obvious imminently...
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
[#2 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
That's a little over four-and-a-half hours of Potter today. Epic.
Also, last night...
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
[#1 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
[2nd watch]
This was #70 in 100 Films 2011, and why I watched it again today will become obvious imminently...
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
[#2 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
That's a little over four-and-a-half hours of Potter today. Epic.
Also, last night...
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
[#1 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
Sunday, 1 January 2012
TV
Great Expectations
Part 1 (of 3)
Love a bit of Gothic, and this is marvellously so.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
7x08 The Slutty Pumpkin Returns
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Little Crackers
2x11 I Was a Teenage Santa!
Sherlock
2x01 A Scandal in Belgravia
God that was good. I'd like to say which bits I liked, but they make Sherlock such a densely packed hour-and-a-half that it's difficult to know where to begin. Or end. Absolutely brilliant.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Part 1 (of 3)
Love a bit of Gothic, and this is marvellously so.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
7x08 The Slutty Pumpkin Returns
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Little Crackers
2x11 I Was a Teenage Santa!
Sherlock
2x01 A Scandal in Belgravia
God that was good. I'd like to say which bits I liked, but they make Sherlock such a densely packed hour-and-a-half that it's difficult to know where to begin. Or end. Absolutely brilliant.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
this week on 100 Films
Happy New Year!
Anyway...
Just 1 new review was posted to 100 Films in a Year this week... but there was also the December update, being the first in my annual triumvirate looking back at the year (the next two looking back at the year, rather than just the month-and-by-association-of-it-being-the-last-month,-the-year).
Anyway, that review...
Gambit (1966)
More next Sunday.
Anyway...
Just 1 new review was posted to 100 Films in a Year this week... but there was also the December update, being the first in my annual triumvirate looking back at the year (the next two looking back at the year, rather than just the month-and-by-association-of-it-being-the-last-month,-the-year).
Anyway, that review...
Gambit (1966)
Gambit is distinctly underrated. The huge advantage of this is that you’re not very likely to have had all the twists spoiled, which is wonderful news! Indeed, because the biggest twist is near the start, it’s pretty hard to review without giving it away. But I’ll do my best. Honestly though, avoid other reviews, just in case.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
TV
The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2011
Last year I did massively well at this; this year, not so much... though 27 out of 38 was still respectable enough to land me second.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Last year I did massively well at this; this year, not so much... though 27 out of 38 was still respectable enough to land me second.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Films
The A-Team: Explosive Extended Edition (2010)
[#100 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
I did it, so I did! Hurrah!
The Man from Earth (2007)
[#98 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
[#99 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
[#100 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
I did it, so I did! Hurrah!
The Man from Earth (2007)
[#98 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
[#99 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
DVD Extras
Featurettes on The Man from Earth
Four short interview-based bits, coming to only a little over 12 minutes total, about life On the Set, discussing The Story of the Story, screenwriter Jerome Bixby's Sci Fi Legacy, and the process of taking the film From Script to Screen. Interesting, but it might be nice to have a little more detail on the themes of the piece, which are so central to a tale like this. The disc does include two feature-length commentaries, but that swings the other way and feels somehow excessive.
Winnie the Pooh and His Story Too
Short featurette on the US Blu-ray of Winnie the Pooh briefly explaining the character's history. Nice.
Four short interview-based bits, coming to only a little over 12 minutes total, about life On the Set, discussing The Story of the Story, screenwriter Jerome Bixby's Sci Fi Legacy, and the process of taking the film From Script to Screen. Interesting, but it might be nice to have a little more detail on the themes of the piece, which are so central to a tale like this. The disc does include two feature-length commentaries, but that swings the other way and feels somehow excessive.
Winnie the Pooh and His Story Too
Short featurette on the US Blu-ray of Winnie the Pooh briefly explaining the character's history. Nice.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
So, here's my Christmas haul, and a couple more too. And as it's now New Year's Eve, this is also the final tally for 2011! Whoo! Last year's equivalent post has allowed me to chart how the collection has increased in the past year, alongside the regular weekly increase.
Number of titles in collection: 1,423 [up 9 this week; up 165 in 2011]
Of which DVDs: 1,148 [up 4 this week; up 48 in 2011]
Of which Blu-rays: 275 [up 5 this week; up 117 in 2011]
Number of discs in collection: 3,537 [up 20 this week; up 401 in 2011]
Number of films in collection: 1,514 [up 7 this week; up 180 in 2011]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,388 [up 50 this week; up 843 in 2011]
Crikey, that's a lot of TV! Wish I could remember what it all was...
As well as all that, it's also time for a (delayed) running time update...
Total running time of collection (approx.):
256 days, 2 hours, and 26 minutes.
(Up 4 days, 19 hours, and 50 minutes from last month, and 31 days, 20 hours, and 11 minutes from last year)
And that's that for 2011! See you next week, faithful reader.
So, here's my Christmas haul, and a couple more too. And as it's now New Year's Eve, this is also the final tally for 2011! Whoo! Last year's equivalent post has allowed me to chart how the collection has increased in the past year, alongside the regular weekly increase.
Number of titles in collection: 1,423 [up 9 this week; up 165 in 2011]
Of which DVDs: 1,148 [up 4 this week; up 48 in 2011]
Of which Blu-rays: 275 [up 5 this week; up 117 in 2011]
Number of discs in collection: 3,537 [up 20 this week; up 401 in 2011]
Number of films in collection: 1,514 [up 7 this week; up 180 in 2011]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,388 [up 50 this week; up 843 in 2011]
Crikey, that's a lot of TV! Wish I could remember what it all was...
As well as all that, it's also time for a (delayed) running time update...
Total running time of collection (approx.):
256 days, 2 hours, and 26 minutes.
(Up 4 days, 19 hours, and 50 minutes from last month, and 31 days, 20 hours, and 11 minutes from last year)
And that's that for 2011! See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 30 December 2011
TV
Dara O Briain: This is the Show
Three stand-up shows in as many days! I guess it's not just the DVD market that likes to pump these out at Christmastime these days.
Ironically, whereas the other two were English comedians filmed in Ireland, here we have an Irish comedian filmed in England! Well I never.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Felix & Murdo
One-off sitcom, and/or sitcom pilot, about two Edwardian gentlemen, played by Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller, written by Men Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye. And that's an indicator of where this went. It was needlessly crass in places -- a list of sexual acts does not constitute a joke -- and slightly uncomfortably old fashioned -- all video-shot and studio-audience-laughter-getting-in-the-way -- but it had its moments. It probably wouldn't have seemed so bad if the Radio Times hadn't gushed about it so heavily.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Three stand-up shows in as many days! I guess it's not just the DVD market that likes to pump these out at Christmastime these days.
Ironically, whereas the other two were English comedians filmed in Ireland, here we have an Irish comedian filmed in England! Well I never.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Felix & Murdo
One-off sitcom, and/or sitcom pilot, about two Edwardian gentlemen, played by Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller, written by Men Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye. And that's an indicator of where this went. It was needlessly crass in places -- a list of sexual acts does not constitute a joke -- and slightly uncomfortably old fashioned -- all video-shot and studio-audience-laughter-getting-in-the-way -- but it had its moments. It probably wouldn't have seemed so bad if the Radio Times hadn't gushed about it so heavily.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Films
Faintheart (2008)
[#97 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
24 hours to go; three films to go. It's not impossible...
The Spider Woman (1944)
[#96 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
[#97 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
24 hours to go; three films to go. It's not impossible...
The Spider Woman (1944)
[#96 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
Thursday, 29 December 2011
TV
Bill Bailey: Dandelion Mind
roflysst
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
I've Never Seen Star Wars
2x00 Stephen Fry [Christmas special]
Two-and-a-half years since they last tried to bring this Radio 4 series to TV, it's back, with a new host, a new set, the same theme music, and only as a one-off. I enjoyed it first time round and I like it just as much now. More please.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Little Crackers
2x09 My First Christmas Number One
2x10 Papaji Saves Christmas
roflysst
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
I've Never Seen Star Wars
2x00 Stephen Fry [Christmas special]
Two-and-a-half years since they last tried to bring this Radio 4 series to TV, it's back, with a new host, a new set, the same theme music, and only as a one-off. I enjoyed it first time round and I like it just as much now. More please.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Little Crackers
2x09 My First Christmas Number One
2x10 Papaji Saves Christmas
Films
Hotel for Dogs (2009)
[#95 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
Right down to the wire. Doesn't look like I'll make 100 this year.
[#95 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
Right down to the wire. Doesn't look like I'll make 100 this year.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
TV
Little Crackers
2x06 Shappi 4 Todd
2x07 My First Ton
2x08 The Daltons
Poirot
12x04 The Clocks [season finale]
It seems daft to bung a season finale tag on Poirot, seeing as how ITV seem to show them in whatever order they fancy over the course of several years per series, but hey-ho, technically this is the last in the 12th run.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Simon Amstell: Do Nothing Live
Stand-up from the former Buzzcocks host. I identified.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x06 Shappi 4 Todd
2x07 My First Ton
2x08 The Daltons
Poirot
12x04 The Clocks [season finale]
It seems daft to bung a season finale tag on Poirot, seeing as how ITV seem to show them in whatever order they fancy over the course of several years per series, but hey-ho, technically this is the last in the 12th run.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Simon Amstell: Do Nothing Live
Stand-up from the former Buzzcocks host. I identified.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
TV
The Graham Norton Show
10x09 Christmas Special
For some reason the BBC episode guide doesn't include this in the series' regular run, instead listing the next episode as number 9. Why? Yes, this edition was slightly longer and very mildly Christmas themed, but it was still mostly a regular episode with the regular kind of guests promoting their just-released/upcoming stuff. I don't care what you say, BBC -- this is episode 9.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
42x10 (23/12/11 edition; extended repeat) [Christmas special]
[Watch the extended version (again) on iPlayer.]
10x09 Christmas Special
For some reason the BBC episode guide doesn't include this in the series' regular run, instead listing the next episode as number 9. Why? Yes, this edition was slightly longer and very mildly Christmas themed, but it was still mostly a regular episode with the regular kind of guests promoting their just-released/upcoming stuff. I don't care what you say, BBC -- this is episode 9.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
42x10 (23/12/11 edition; extended repeat) [Christmas special]
[Watch the extended version (again) on iPlayer.]
Monday, 26 December 2011
TV
The Borrowers
Wasn't too sure what I'd make of this -- I loved the BBC series that was on when I was young, then read and enjoyed all the novels, but the American film that came out a few years afterwards was awful, and this new version looked uncertain. But I actually really enjoyed it. Sequel please.
Now I just need to see Ghibli's Arrietty... which fortunately is out on DVD & BD here in a fortnight. On the same day as this production. What a coincidence!
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who
32x13a The Prequel to The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe
Oops, forgot to watch this before the episode itself! It is, of course, short and typically pointless -- if it was vital it would be in the programme itself, wouldn't it.
[Watch it (again) on the official Doctor Who website.]
Downton Abbey
2x09 Christmas Special
Advantage to watching it the day after: no ad breaks. It had a 125-minute slot on TV; we got through it in 93 minutes. Thats half-an-hour of my life saved.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Little Crackers
2x03 Barbra
2x04 Your Face
2x02 Daddy's Little Princess
2x05 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Daytime
Sky1's Christmas short films return for a third year with a second round of eleven celebrity-starring autobiographical tales. Jane Horrocks' and Jack Whitehall's were fine; Alan Davies' started darkly but had a sweet dog; Harry Hill's was stupid. I don't like Harry Hill. (The numbering is the order they were originally shown; the order they're listed is the order they were shown in an omnibus on Christmas Day and therefore the order I watched them.)
Michael McIntyre's Christmas Comedy Roadshow
Good fun.
According to the BBC website this is episode 3 of 6. Which is strange as it's the only episode scheduled -- even if there's a new series on the way, surely this is therefore episode one?
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
10x13 Christmas Special
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wasn't too sure what I'd make of this -- I loved the BBC series that was on when I was young, then read and enjoyed all the novels, but the American film that came out a few years afterwards was awful, and this new version looked uncertain. But I actually really enjoyed it. Sequel please.
Now I just need to see Ghibli's Arrietty... which fortunately is out on DVD & BD here in a fortnight. On the same day as this production. What a coincidence!
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who
32x13a The Prequel to The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe
Oops, forgot to watch this before the episode itself! It is, of course, short and typically pointless -- if it was vital it would be in the programme itself, wouldn't it.
[Watch it (again) on the official Doctor Who website.]
Downton Abbey
2x09 Christmas Special
Advantage to watching it the day after: no ad breaks. It had a 125-minute slot on TV; we got through it in 93 minutes. Thats half-an-hour of my life saved.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Little Crackers
2x03 Barbra
2x04 Your Face
2x02 Daddy's Little Princess
2x05 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Daytime
Sky1's Christmas short films return for a third year with a second round of eleven celebrity-starring autobiographical tales. Jane Horrocks' and Jack Whitehall's were fine; Alan Davies' started darkly but had a sweet dog; Harry Hill's was stupid. I don't like Harry Hill. (The numbering is the order they were originally shown; the order they're listed is the order they were shown in an omnibus on Christmas Day and therefore the order I watched them.)
Michael McIntyre's Christmas Comedy Roadshow
Good fun.
According to the BBC website this is episode 3 of 6. Which is strange as it's the only episode scheduled -- even if there's a new series on the way, surely this is therefore episode one?
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
10x13 Christmas Special
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Sunday, 25 December 2011
TV
Doctor Who
33x00 The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe [Christmas special]
I enjoyed that -- particularly good performances by Matt Smith and Claire Skinner, and the bit with the Bill Bailey-led whatsits was most amusing -- but it wasn't a patch on last year's, in my opinion, which I adore.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Gruffalo's Child (2011)
[#94a in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Rev.
2x07 Christmas Special [season finale]
Surprisingly glum. Well, maybe not surprisingly. I guess there was a reason it wasn't part of the Christmas Day schedule. Good though.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
9x27 Christmas Special 2011
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
33x00 The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe [Christmas special]
I enjoyed that -- particularly good performances by Matt Smith and Claire Skinner, and the bit with the Bill Bailey-led whatsits was most amusing -- but it wasn't a patch on last year's, in my opinion, which I adore.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Gruffalo's Child (2011)
[#94a in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Rev.
2x07 Christmas Special [season finale]
Surprisingly glum. Well, maybe not surprisingly. I guess there was a reason it wasn't part of the Christmas Day schedule. Good though.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
9x27 Christmas Special 2011
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Comics
2000 AD #2012
The bumper-length Christmas Prog, because, as a weekly, 2000 AD stops publishing over Christmas. Plus this way we get four more pages of Thrill-power than we would in the three Progs it covers. Four!
It also usurps the regular numbering to take next year's 'name'. I don't know quite what they'll do when they reach the real Prog 2000. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't either. Plus there's a Prog 2000 and a Prog 2002 but not a Prog 2001 -- awkward. But hey, that's all 5 years away yet!
As a lot of this Prog is Christmassy themed and several of the strips take place out of the on-going storylines (or start new ones), I've jumped ahead to read some of it -- would be a bit odd to get all this Christmas Thrill-power when I finally catch up in January (or February, or March... God I'm behind...) Those that are on-going, or kick off new on-goings, I'll come back to when I catch up.
Anyway, because of the jumping ahead, no ECBT 2000AD reviews yet. I'll add them later. For now, some have links to relevant features on the 2000 AD website. (Naturally, these are only the ones I actually read.)
Judge Dredd Choose Your Own Xmas
Absalom Sick Leave
Aquila Prologue
Dandridge A Christmas Ghost Story
Sinister Dexter Now & Again
The bumper-length Christmas Prog, because, as a weekly, 2000 AD stops publishing over Christmas. Plus this way we get four more pages of Thrill-power than we would in the three Progs it covers. Four!
It also usurps the regular numbering to take next year's 'name'. I don't know quite what they'll do when they reach the real Prog 2000. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't either. Plus there's a Prog 2000 and a Prog 2002 but not a Prog 2001 -- awkward. But hey, that's all 5 years away yet!
As a lot of this Prog is Christmassy themed and several of the strips take place out of the on-going storylines (or start new ones), I've jumped ahead to read some of it -- would be a bit odd to get all this Christmas Thrill-power when I finally catch up in January (or February, or March... God I'm behind...) Those that are on-going, or kick off new on-goings, I'll come back to when I catch up.
Anyway, because of the jumping ahead, no ECBT 2000AD reviews yet. I'll add them later. For now, some have links to relevant features on the 2000 AD website. (Naturally, these are only the ones I actually read.)
this week on 100 Films
Merry Christmas!
Anyway...
3 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Beyond the Pole (2009)
The Brothers Bloom (2008)
Cruise of the Gods (2002)
More next Sunday.
Anyway...
3 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Beyond the Pole (2009)
Unfortunately it’s only mildly amusing rather than laugh-out-loud hilarious. Worse still, it’s occasionally a bit thumb-twiddly as the inevitable plot points inevitably happen. In fact, it goes a bit OTT with implausibility for my liking… On the bright side, it doesn’t go on about the green agenda too much
The Brothers Bloom (2008)
it can be surprisingly dramatic in places, at least more so than the trailer suggested. It’s not quite as all-out-fun as it looked… but then the job of a trailer is to sell you a film, so if the end result doesn’t match it 100% is that a failing? How are you meant to summarise the entire tone of a film in a two-minute spoiler-free sales burst anyway?
Cruise of the Gods (2002)
Though the film pokes fun (fairly good-naturedly) at sci-fi obsessives, the underlying story here is about a man overshadowed by his past. In this Brydon gives a strong performance — I think he’s a better actor than he’s normally given credit for — and he’s ably supported by Corden in particular
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
TV
Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers
Episode 4 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
Life's Too Short
1x07 Episode 7 [season finale]
Well, that was that. Ricky Gervais says there'll be a second series. Not sure I can be bothered with it.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Lorraine's Last Minute Christmas
Why they didn't keep up the branding and call this Christmas Made Easy I don't know.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Merlin
4x13 The Sword in the Stone Part Two [season finale]
Ooh, much dramaticness! All set-up quite intriguing for a fifth -- and, possibly, final -- season.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x12 Christmas Special
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
4x07 The Broken Santa [Christmas special]
The BBC don't give episode titles for Outnumbered, but this list on Wikipedia has them so they must've come from somewhere. (You'd assume the DVD releases, but this episode doesn't have one yet.)
Apparently this is our last Outnumbered for a while -- there's to be no series next year, but perhaps some specials. I can understand why they might want to finish it off as the kids are getting older, but wouldn't it be nicer to officially end it and give it a big proper send-off, rather than slowly wind it down so it sorta fades away?
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Rob Brydon Show
2x08 Christmas Special 2011
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker
2011
Shown on BBC Two on Wednesday, and then in a slightly extended version on BBC One Wales-only the next day. But hey, that's on iPlayer, so naturally it's the longer one I've linked to here.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Episode 4 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
Life's Too Short
1x07 Episode 7 [season finale]
Well, that was that. Ricky Gervais says there'll be a second series. Not sure I can be bothered with it.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Lorraine's Last Minute Christmas
Why they didn't keep up the branding and call this Christmas Made Easy I don't know.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Merlin
4x13 The Sword in the Stone Part Two [season finale]
Ooh, much dramaticness! All set-up quite intriguing for a fifth -- and, possibly, final -- season.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x12 Christmas Special
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
4x07 The Broken Santa [Christmas special]
The BBC don't give episode titles for Outnumbered, but this list on Wikipedia has them so they must've come from somewhere. (You'd assume the DVD releases, but this episode doesn't have one yet.)
Apparently this is our last Outnumbered for a while -- there's to be no series next year, but perhaps some specials. I can understand why they might want to finish it off as the kids are getting older, but wouldn't it be nicer to officially end it and give it a big proper send-off, rather than slowly wind it down so it sorta fades away?
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Rob Brydon Show
2x08 Christmas Special 2011
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker
2011
Shown on BBC Two on Wednesday, and then in a slightly extended version on BBC One Wales-only the next day. But hey, that's on iPlayer, so naturally it's the longer one I've linked to here.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
A few last minute things here (as it were), most of which I didn't actually expect to turn up until after Christmas. So that's nice.
Number of titles in collection: 1,414 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,144 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 270 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 3,517 [up 9]
Number of films in collection: 1,507 [up 6]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,338 [up 3]
See you next week, faithful reader, with all my Christmassy haul, and the delayed running time update to boot!
A few last minute things here (as it were), most of which I didn't actually expect to turn up until after Christmas. So that's nice.
Number of titles in collection: 1,414 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,144 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 270 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 3,517 [up 9]
Number of films in collection: 1,507 [up 6]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,338 [up 3]
See you next week, faithful reader, with all my Christmassy haul, and the delayed running time update to boot!
Friday, 23 December 2011
TV
Argumental
4x08 Christmas Special
A Christmas special? Those things get everywhere these days...
The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff
1x00 Christmas Episode
Dickens spoof. Most amusing. Look forward to the full (well, full-ish -- it's only three episodes) series next year.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Junior Bake Off
Episode 13 (of 13)
Hooray!
Lost Christmas
A one-off "urban fairytale" starring Eddie Izzard. Surprisingly gritty for a kid-friendly Christmas tale, which is presumably why they wound up scheduling it so far out from Christmas (despite a Christmas Eve setting, it was shown on the 18th). I thought it was really good... until the final few minutes, when the chance for a genuinely worthwhile message was abandoned for a reset happy ending. Oh well.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Merlin
4x12 The Sword in the Stone Part One
Dark, exciting season finale stuff, but also with plenty of the funniness. Well played, Merlin. Good thing I only have to wait 'til tomorrow for the second half.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
4x08 Christmas Special
A Christmas special? Those things get everywhere these days...
The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff
1x00 Christmas Episode
Dickens spoof. Most amusing. Look forward to the full (well, full-ish -- it's only three episodes) series next year.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Junior Bake Off
Episode 13 (of 13)
Hooray!
Lost Christmas
A one-off "urban fairytale" starring Eddie Izzard. Surprisingly gritty for a kid-friendly Christmas tale, which is presumably why they wound up scheduling it so far out from Christmas (despite a Christmas Eve setting, it was shown on the 18th). I thought it was really good... until the final few minutes, when the chance for a genuinely worthwhile message was abandoned for a reset happy ending. Oh well.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Merlin
4x12 The Sword in the Stone Part One
Dark, exciting season finale stuff, but also with plenty of the funniness. Well played, Merlin. Good thing I only have to wait 'til tomorrow for the second half.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The song ITV didn't want you to see
ITV Cut Tim Minchin’s Christmas Song Amidst Fears Of Offending Christians And Right-Wing Press
by Hannah Shaw-William (from Bleeding Cool)
This was due to air on the Christmas edition of The Jonathan Ross Show tonight on ITV1, but they seem to have had a last-minute wimp-out and cut it. (Lots more detail at the above link, including comments from Tim Minchin and Jonathan Ross.)
Fortunately, Mr Minchin obtained a copy of the final edited song before it was cut, and he's made it available to view online himself:
If you enjoyed it -- or even if you didn't -- feel free to complain to ITV about their censorship via an email to viewerservices@itv.com.
by Hannah Shaw-William (from Bleeding Cool)
This was due to air on the Christmas edition of The Jonathan Ross Show tonight on ITV1, but they seem to have had a last-minute wimp-out and cut it. (Lots more detail at the above link, including comments from Tim Minchin and Jonathan Ross.)
Fortunately, Mr Minchin obtained a copy of the final edited song before it was cut, and he's made it available to view online himself:
If you enjoyed it -- or even if you didn't -- feel free to complain to ITV about their censorship via an email to viewerservices@itv.com.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
TV
It's "catch up before all that Christmas telly begins" time!
Black Mirror
1x01 The National Anthem
Media-satirising anthology series from the brain of Charlie Brooker, which in fairly typical me fashion has already finished before I'm even starting it (still, at least this was only three episodes -- I'm a series behind with Misfits and I've not even got going on the 15-part Story of Film). Very dark, very good. Anthology series are in short supply so it would be nice if this took off.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Dave's One Night Stand
3x05 Tommy Tiernan [season finale]
The Graham Norton Show
10x08 (16/12/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
42x09 (16/12/11 edition; extended repeat) [2nd watch]
A particularly good episode, I thought; and, as ever, even better extended.
[Watch the extended version (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
7x07 Noretta
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Life's Too Short
1x06 Episode 6
Apparently this has been picked up for a second series. Not sure how I feel about that.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
7x06 Episode 6 [2nd watch]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Rev.
2x06 Episode 6
A season finale of an episode, even though there's a Christmas special next week... well, it was on two days ago, but... yeah.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Black Mirror
1x01 The National Anthem
Media-satirising anthology series from the brain of Charlie Brooker, which in fairly typical me fashion has already finished before I'm even starting it (still, at least this was only three episodes -- I'm a series behind with Misfits and I've not even got going on the 15-part Story of Film). Very dark, very good. Anthology series are in short supply so it would be nice if this took off.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Dave's One Night Stand
3x05 Tommy Tiernan [season finale]
The Graham Norton Show
10x08 (16/12/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
42x09 (16/12/11 edition; extended repeat) [2nd watch]
A particularly good episode, I thought; and, as ever, even better extended.
[Watch the extended version (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
7x07 Noretta
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Life's Too Short
1x06 Episode 6
Apparently this has been picked up for a second series. Not sure how I feel about that.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
7x06 Episode 6 [2nd watch]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Rev.
2x06 Episode 6
A season finale of an episode, even though there's a Christmas special next week... well, it was on two days ago, but... yeah.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
TV
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
3x06 Episode 6
Michael Bublé: Home for Christmas
Mmm, cheese.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Onion News Network
1x04 Fifth Anniversary
Rev.
2x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
3x06 Episode 6
Michael Bublé: Home for Christmas
Mmm, cheese.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Onion News Network
1x04 Fifth Anniversary
Rev.
2x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
Digital Spy readers' awards 2011: The winners!
by Mark Langshaw (from Digital Spy)
I wouldn't bother mentioning this normally, but the final award prompted a laugh: in a Digital Spy poll for best entertainment news website, Digital Spy won! What a shocker.
by Mark Langshaw (from Digital Spy)
I wouldn't bother mentioning this normally, but the final award prompted a laugh: in a Digital Spy poll for best entertainment news website, Digital Spy won! What a shocker.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
TV
Argumental
4x07 Episode 7
Death in Paradise
1x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
That was good fun. I hope we get more.
The Royal Variety Performance 2011
Back to ITV and it gets worse. Well, there were some very good bits, but most of the singing (of which there was plenty) was appalling.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
4x07 Episode 7
Death in Paradise
1x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
That was good fun. I hope we get more.
The Royal Variety Performance 2011
Back to ITV and it gets worse. Well, there were some very good bits, but most of the singing (of which there was plenty) was appalling.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Monday, 19 December 2011
TV
Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers
Episode 3 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x11 Episode 11
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Episode 3 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x11 Episode 11
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Sunday, 18 December 2011
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Cars (2006)
Diner (1982)
More next Sunday.
Cars (2006)
it’s a bit predictable, kinda like Pixar/any kids’ movie by numbers. Pixar are usually better than that. There may be one or two slight surprises along the way — mostly in aid of a Good Strong Moral Message for the kiddies — but at times it’s a bit thumb-twiddly as you wait for characters to reach the point they’re inevitably headed for.
Diner (1982)
Diner is like a series of vignettes. There’s a loose plot holding it all together — the aforementioned wedding — but it all plays like a series of connected subplots. It’s a “slice of life” kind of film, rather than a “big story” kinda film. That works for some viewers and not for others. For me, I enjoyed some of it and some of the amusing moments, but it all felt ultimately empty.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Friday, 16 December 2011
TV
The British Comedy Awards 2011
Didn't agree with all the winners... but then there were a few that really exceptionally deserved it, and it was Good Fun All Round. Plus, a Harry Hill clip that actually made me laugh. First time for everything.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Have I Got News For You
42x09 (16/12/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
7x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
9x16 VG Part 1
I seem to have completely missed an episode of QI. Really don't know how. Annoyed about that now.
This was just a highlights show. Which was fine. It also included at least one clip from at least one episode that hasn't aired yet. Which was different.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Didn't agree with all the winners... but then there were a few that really exceptionally deserved it, and it was Good Fun All Round. Plus, a Harry Hill clip that actually made me laugh. First time for everything.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Have I Got News For You
42x09 (16/12/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
7x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
9x16 VG Part 1
I seem to have completely missed an episode of QI. Really don't know how. Annoyed about that now.
This was just a highlights show. Which was fine. It also included at least one clip from at least one episode that hasn't aired yet. Which was different.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Best And Worst Sci-Fi Movie Posters 2011 by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
You might not agree with every choices in either category (I certainly didn't), but it's a good reminder of the last year nonetheless.
Doctor Who: Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill to leave next series by Daniel Sperling
(from Digital Spy)
I know no one really believed it when they left toward the end of the last series, but the thing is kids probably did, and it was a good surprise, and more importantly it was a good, well-reasoned send off. How are they going to bring them back after the Doctor's resolve that he was messing up their lives? And how will they write them out again in a way that tops that? As much as I love Rory, it's a shame they've not just let them go.
Doctor Who: "The assumption that the audience is intelligent has paid off" says Steven Moffat by Tim Glanfield
(from Radio Times)
Yes indeed. Though to be honest, I preferred it before all these intricate multi-year timey-wimey plots. Self-contained one- and two-parters with maybe a big linking season finale for me, please.
(from SFX)
You might not agree with every choices in either category (I certainly didn't), but it's a good reminder of the last year nonetheless.
Doctor Who: Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill to leave next series by Daniel Sperling
(from Digital Spy)
I know no one really believed it when they left toward the end of the last series, but the thing is kids probably did, and it was a good surprise, and more importantly it was a good, well-reasoned send off. How are they going to bring them back after the Doctor's resolve that he was messing up their lives? And how will they write them out again in a way that tops that? As much as I love Rory, it's a shame they've not just let them go.
Doctor Who: "The assumption that the audience is intelligent has paid off" says Steven Moffat by Tim Glanfield
(from Radio Times)
Yes indeed. Though to be honest, I preferred it before all these intricate multi-year timey-wimey plots. Self-contained one- and two-parters with maybe a big linking season finale for me, please.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
This week, the number of films in my collection crosses the 1,500 mark. I dread to think how few of those I've actually watched...
Number of titles in collection: 1,411 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,143 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 268 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 3,508 [up 4]
Number of films in collection: 1,501 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,335 [no change]
This week should be the latest running time update, but I'm 'on the road' at the minute so don't have access to that information. Instead, I've decided to bump it back a fortnight, thereby covering whatever I get for Christmas too. Shiny.
Before then -- see you next week, faithful reader.
This week, the number of films in my collection crosses the 1,500 mark. I dread to think how few of those I've actually watched...
Number of titles in collection: 1,411 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,143 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 268 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 3,508 [up 4]
Number of films in collection: 1,501 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,335 [no change]
This week should be the latest running time update, but I'm 'on the road' at the minute so don't have access to that information. Instead, I've decided to bump it back a fortnight, thereby covering whatever I get for Christmas too. Shiny.
Before then -- see you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Articles
Doctor Who Magazine's Christmas tribute to Radio Times by Paul Jones
(from Radio Times)
The new DWM, out today, takes as its cover inspiration a Christmas RT from the '20s. See the original and the homage at the link.
(from Radio Times)
The new DWM, out today, takes as its cover inspiration a Christmas RT from the '20s. See the original and the homage at the link.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
TV
Curiosity
1x03 Why is Sex Fun?
Based on this -- a big new flagship documentary with a different celebrity presenter for each episode and that kind of thing -- the Americans aren't half as good at making documentaries as we are. Sure, it's ultimately informative, but it's also repetitive, over-directed and inaccurately titled. Plus it has a dreadfully cheesy title card/ad break bumper; so bad I thought it was years old, but it seems it's brand new. Ugh.
Frozen Planet
Part 7 On Thin Ice [final episode]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Graham Norton Show
10x07 (9/12/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
42x08 (9/12/11 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
7x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Onion News Network
1x03 Man-Horse Marriage
1x03 Why is Sex Fun?
Based on this -- a big new flagship documentary with a different celebrity presenter for each episode and that kind of thing -- the Americans aren't half as good at making documentaries as we are. Sure, it's ultimately informative, but it's also repetitive, over-directed and inaccurately titled. Plus it has a dreadfully cheesy title card/ad break bumper; so bad I thought it was years old, but it seems it's brand new. Ugh.
Frozen Planet
Part 7 On Thin Ice [final episode]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Graham Norton Show
10x07 (9/12/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
42x08 (9/12/11 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
7x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Onion News Network
1x03 Man-Horse Marriage
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
TV
Dave's One Night Stand
3x04 Stephen K Amos
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
3x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Life's Too Short
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
4x08 (23/3/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x04 Stephen K Amos
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
3x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Life's Too Short
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
4x08 (23/3/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
A daily dose of sci-fi - Day 30
To finish we need a great tune for the end credits -
what's your favourite sci-fi theme?
what's your favourite sci-fi theme?
This one really is very, very easy, and conforms to what I'm certain must have been a running theme...
Whether it's the creepy electronic original, or one of the synth-tastic '80s versions, or the orchestral TV movie recording, or one of Murray Gold's bombastic modern renderings, the Doctor Who theme is always unbeatable. It can inspire dread or excitement as needed, and that scream into the cliffhanger... Ah, perfection!
Plus, it's easily singalongable. Who hasn't at some point oo-wee-oo'd?
That's it! The end! What a good note to end on (see what I did there?)
I've quit enjoyed this, even if I did struggle with a few answers. Maybe I should try to find another one...
Read about a daily dose of sci-fi, with links to the rest of the series, here.
Monday, 12 December 2011
TV
Argumental
4x06 Episode 6
Blue Peter
5/12/11 edition
For the making of the BBC One Christmas trail. Also, Ed Sheeran is clearly not cut out to be a presenter.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers
Episode 2 (of 4)
Most of it, anyway -- for some reason the copy on Virgin Media Catch Up died every time at the final ad break. I suppose I should just watch it online...
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
Death in Paradise
1x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x10 Episode 10
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
4x06 Episode 6
Blue Peter
5/12/11 edition
For the making of the BBC One Christmas trail. Also, Ed Sheeran is clearly not cut out to be a presenter.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Charley Boorman's Extreme Frontiers
Episode 2 (of 4)
Most of it, anyway -- for some reason the copy on Virgin Media Catch Up died every time at the final ad break. I suppose I should just watch it online...
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
Death in Paradise
1x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
25x10 Episode 10
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
A daily dose of sci-fi - Day 29
Best pre-1980s sci-fi
For this one I wanted something that was only pre-'80s -- so no Doctor Who (not even classic series only), no Star Wars or Star Trek, etc. Naturally cases could be made for all of these -- I could just have an era of Who, or the original Trek, or just Empire Strikes Back -- but I wanted to push for something different.
I don't know if "best" is quite the right word, and maybe I should've chosen this yesterday, but...
Larry "Buster" Crabbe starred in three of these cinema serials (the precursor of TV series, I suppose) in the '30s and '40s -- Flash Gordon, Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars and Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe. They used to show them on BBC One on Saturday mornings in the late '90s (God that makes it sound long ago), when I was in the early year(s) of secondary school, and my friends and I used to love them.
They're silly and schlocky, and notorious for those kinds of cliffhangers where everything seems impossible... and in next week's recap something completely different happens and everything's OK. Ah, an age before repeats or VHS or harddrive recorders or iPlayer. Or, apparently, memory.
These things aren't Great in the proper use of the word -- there's no revolutionary SF concepts or fantastic screenplays or beautiful performances to be found -- but they're damn good fun, full of scrapes and spills and primitive special effects. They're a joy.
And I don't think I've seen all of them. I've seen at least two, because I remember the serial changed on the Beeb and suddenly the lead female characters had swapped hair colours, which was most confusing. I have two on DVD -- I hope different ones -- but I'm not sure which two, because they go under so many different titles. Quick read of Wikipedia suggests I have the first and third; don't know which I saw on telly. Anyway, I must try to right this and see them all.
Read about a daily dose of sci-fi, with links to the rest of the series, here.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
TV
Have I Got News For You
42x07 (2/12/11 edition; extended repeat)
How I Met Your Mother
7x06 Mystery vs. History
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
42x07 (2/12/11 edition; extended repeat)
How I Met Your Mother
7x06 Mystery vs. History
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Two Doctor Who episodes recovered! by Chuck Foster
(from Doctor Who News)
Headline says the salient point, really, though there's plenty more detail in the article. Indeed, there's an even more thorough article at the Radio Times.
This is obviously fantastic news -- I never expected any more episodes to be found, as the last discovery was back in 2004. Still 106 to go though...
(from Doctor Who News)
Headline says the salient point, really, though there's plenty more detail in the article. Indeed, there's an even more thorough article at the Radio Times.
This is obviously fantastic news -- I never expected any more episodes to be found, as the last discovery was back in 2004. Still 106 to go though...
A daily dose of sci-fi - Day 28
A great sci-fi B-movie
I haven't seen many B-movies, those cheap '40s/'50s/etc films knocked out during the studio era to fill out cinema schedules, notorious for their so-bad-they're-good-ness. I feel I should've seen more. But when there are so many good films to watch...
Anyway, this is a complete and utter cheat, but tough.
It's a tribute to the B-movie rather than a B-movie in its own right, but that's the best I can do.
It's wonderful for all sorts of reasons, but as this is meant to be about B-movies I'll mention some of those elements, because it's littered with them right from the start. I mean, if you were in any doubt, the opening song highlights it: Science Fiction Double Feature. It's there in the name, never mind the lyrics.
Then there's the Ordinary American Small-Town Couple who Get Lost In The Woods At Night, going to the Big Mysterious Mansion for help, where they find it's Full Of Weirdos who are conducting A Crazy Scientific Experiment, and it all goes loopy and Changes Them Forever, and there's a climax with Ray Guns and Aliens Who Look Like Humans, and no doubt all kinds of other things where I could capitalise every first letter and make it look like a widely-acknowledged trend. (I can't be bothered to surf through all of tv tropes for the real ones, but I bet all of these -- and more -- are on there.)
So no, it's not a B-movie. But it's the best homage to them there is. And if you've never even seen a proper B-movie, it's still rollicking good fun.
Read about a daily dose of sci-fi, with links to the rest of the series, here.
this week on 100 Films
Just 1 new review was posted to 100 Films in a Year this week...
That Touch of Mink (1962)
More (hopefully several more) next Sunday.
That Touch of Mink (1962)
a sex comedy… but being a film produced in ’60s America, no one comes close to using such language. But it’s unquestionably all about that. However, despite being all about a lewder side of life, tonally and visually it’s very light, fluffy and funny. It’s also briskly paced and constantly amusing
More (hopefully several more) next Sunday.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
TV
Merlin
4x11 The Hunter's Heart
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
4x07 (22/3/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
4x11 The Hunter's Heart
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
4x07 (22/3/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
A daily dose of sci-fi - Day 27
Who are the nastiest bad guys?
There are many different definitions of nasty in this context, I think. They could be cruel, they could be ugly, they could be just plain evil. But there's one, at least, that has all bases covered...
Have you seen an Alien film? Then this shouldn't really need explaining. These terrifying-looking creatures are experts at stalking you in darkened corridors, or just flat-out attacking you, or sticking something to your face that implants itself inside you so that a new one of them is born by bursting out of your chest...
And if you do, somehow, manage to damage them, they have acid for blood.
"Nasty" doesn't cover it.
Read about a daily dose of sci-fi, with links to the rest of the series, here.
Friday, 9 December 2011
TV
The Graham Norton Show
10x06 (2/12/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
4x06 (21/3/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
10x06 (2/12/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
4x06 (21/3/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
The Dark Knight Rises prologue: Tom Hardy's Bane blasted as unintelligible by Ann Lee
(from Metro)
The opening six or seven minutes of Christopher Nolan's third and final Batman film were screened for critics and filmmakers last night. Trust a Mail-owned paper to be depressing: most (perhaps all) of those critics have soundly praised the footage, noting the tricky dialogue as the one minor downside that may be fixed (the film's still six months away). For a more thorough preview, try /Film, which also has details on how much of the finished film will be in IMAX. Sounds incredible, though I'm not sure I'll be able to see it in that format. Still, there's time to plan yet...
Doctor Who named most-downloaded US iTunes show over Modern Family by Hugh Armitage
(from Digital Spy)
Matt Smith rues cancellation of Doctor Who Confidential by Paul Jones
(from Radio Times)
(from Metro)
The opening six or seven minutes of Christopher Nolan's third and final Batman film were screened for critics and filmmakers last night. Trust a Mail-owned paper to be depressing: most (perhaps all) of those critics have soundly praised the footage, noting the tricky dialogue as the one minor downside that may be fixed (the film's still six months away). For a more thorough preview, try /Film, which also has details on how much of the finished film will be in IMAX. Sounds incredible, though I'm not sure I'll be able to see it in that format. Still, there's time to plan yet...
Doctor Who named most-downloaded US iTunes show over Modern Family by Hugh Armitage
(from Digital Spy)
"This is incredibly exciting news," said Doctor Who lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat. "It's an honour to be on the same list as all those shows, let alone at the very top. And for a British show to have achieved this in the US is absolutely remarkable."
Matt Smith rues cancellation of Doctor Who Confidential by Paul Jones
(from Radio Times)
“It’s a pity as I think it’s a show which can reinvent itself year on year and it’s one of the biggest shows on BBC3," said Smith. “I guess people come in and have new ideas and want to have their own fresh take on it"A polite way of saying "some people change things for the sake of it to make their own mark", I think.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Not much to report this week, except for that the numbers are still going up, despite it being nearly Christmas. Expect some next week too; the week after, I'm not sure; and the week after that will be the big (hopefully!) Christmas one.
I will say, though, that I was sent two packages from the same US retailer a couple of weeks ago. They shipped just 3½ hours apart. The one sent second arrived last Tuesday; there's still no sign of the one sent first. Weird.
Number of titles in collection: 1,408 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,142 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 266 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 3,504 [up 6]
Number of films in collection: 1,498 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,335 [up 6]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Not much to report this week, except for that the numbers are still going up, despite it being nearly Christmas. Expect some next week too; the week after, I'm not sure; and the week after that will be the big (hopefully!) Christmas one.
I will say, though, that I was sent two packages from the same US retailer a couple of weeks ago. They shipped just 3½ hours apart. The one sent second arrived last Tuesday; there's still no sign of the one sent first. Weird.
Number of titles in collection: 1,408 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,142 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 266 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 3,504 [up 6]
Number of films in collection: 1,498 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,335 [up 6]
See you next week, faithful reader.
A daily dose of sci-fi - Day 26
Best battle scene
I kinda feel this ought to be a big ol' space battle, like that one in Serenity or something, but I can't think of many that immediately jump out at me, so I guess this becomes "best battle/fight/action scene", and I offer up this one:
I love a good movie sword fight, but unsurprisingly these are few and far between in sci-fi movies. Except for Star Wars.
For all the prequels' flaws -- and they are many -- the one thing they have over the original trilogy are the lightsaber duels. Whereas the first three films largely feature actors bumping some sticks together a bit, the prequels feature fully choreographed fights that are properly exciting to watch.
The best of these is at the climax of Episode I, when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan take on Darth Maul (there's a bunch of Fantasy names if ever you saw them) and his infamous double-ended lightsaber. It is, as I said, fully choreographed and properly exciting, and just about everything you dreamed a lightsaber battle should be ever since you were a kid.
Some may argue there are better duels later in the prequel trilogy. Maybe, but this is the first one that showed what a lightsaber duel really could be, and this is the one that sticks in the memory.
And it's nice there's something to like about the prequels, eh?
Read about a daily dose of sci-fi, with links to the rest of the series, here.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
TV
Life's Too Short
1x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
7x04 Episode 4
Love Milton Jones.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
4x04 Ring Around the Rosie
"Hey, how ya doin'? You're under arrest of the attempted murder of... everybody." Love Cho.
(Accidentally skipped episode three. That will, of course, be rectified.)
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
Perfect Couples
1x09 Perfect Lies
E4 started really mucking about with showing this and the order they showed it in (or so it seemed to me), so I've resorted to downloading it. Not that I should really care, what with it being all cancelled and, let's be honest, not being that great in the first place.
Pointless
4x05 (18/3/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Rev.
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
7x04 Episode 4
Love Milton Jones.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
4x04 Ring Around the Rosie
"Hey, how ya doin'? You're under arrest of the attempted murder of... everybody." Love Cho.
(Accidentally skipped episode three. That will, of course, be rectified.)
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
Perfect Couples
1x09 Perfect Lies
E4 started really mucking about with showing this and the order they showed it in (or so it seemed to me), so I've resorted to downloading it. Not that I should really care, what with it being all cancelled and, let's be honest, not being that great in the first place.
Pointless
4x05 (18/3/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Rev.
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
10 Common Words You Had No Idea Were Onomatopoeias by Andy Kneis
(from Cracked.com)
I had no idea! Most interesting.
Review: Sherlock - A Scandal in Belgravia by David Brown
(from Radio Times)
It was the press screening of the new Sherlock last night, hence plenty of coverage and press releases today. This is the Radio Times review (obviously), but there's also the BBC press pack, including interviews with Moffat, Gatiss, Cumberbatch and Freeman; some nice publicity shots at Blogtor Who; and the PI, confirming it's on New Years Day at 8:10pm. Very exciting.
Click to enlarge.
(from Cracked.com)
I had no idea! Most interesting.
Review: Sherlock - A Scandal in Belgravia by David Brown
(from Radio Times)
It was the press screening of the new Sherlock last night, hence plenty of coverage and press releases today. This is the Radio Times review (obviously), but there's also the BBC press pack, including interviews with Moffat, Gatiss, Cumberbatch and Freeman; some nice publicity shots at Blogtor Who; and the PI, confirming it's on New Years Day at 8:10pm. Very exciting.
Click to enlarge.
A daily dose of sci-fi - Day 25
Funniest sci-fi (intentional or otherwise)
It feels like it should be hard to think of an SF comedy, but actually there are quite a few -- Red Dwarf, Hitchhikers' (on radio, in print, on TV and in film!), Back to the Future, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, Galaxy Quest -- and those are just some of the good ones.
Penned by now-showrunner Steven Moffat for Comic Relief back in 1999, this is easily the most affectionate Who spoof ever. Not only is it a very funny take on the show, it's very funny fullstop; and not only is it very funny, but it actually creates a great deal of nostalgia for the real thing -- some of the ending is only a short step away from the kind of sentimentality we've seen in the revived series.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this was in some way instrumental in bringing the show back to TV properly. Considering it was made for zero money (as it was for charity), I think it shows that a Who series was viable in '99 -- sure it might look dated now, but it looks pretty much as good as any other late-'90s SF.
Other series and films may show more longevity and consistency -- this one only lasts for about 20 minutes after all -- but it's the one I'm most likely to re-watch again. And again.
Read about a daily dose of sci-fi, with links to the rest of the series, here.
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