Here's the trailer for Doctor Who spin-off (sort of) series K9, which has been floating around the web for the last few days. It was created for the MIPTV trade conference in Cannes and is technically unfinished. Watch it (if you want), then read more after.
In case you haven't heard of this series before, it's a Doctor Who spin-off... sort of. It's not made by the BBC and it's not connected to the Who production office (unlike Torchwood and Sarah Jane), but it does feature a revamped version of the Doctor's robotic dog companion, K9. And it is the self-same K9, because the original model appears at the start of the series.
How can this happen? Because copyright for the tin dog lies with the guy who co-created him, not with the BBC.
Will the series be any good? Hard to tell from this trailer, which is aimed at the trade and features unfinished music, titles and -- most importantly -- voice-over work. As kids' shows go it looks OK enough, but nothing more. Also, it was shot in Australia, so the over-posh British accents are occasionally amusing.
Friday, 3 April 2009
The Wire 1x04: Old Cases
The more The Wire continues, the more certain I become that it is indeed a grower.
Some shows start and grab you immediately; they can then either build on this or throw it all away (more often than not it's the latter, sadly). Others are quite good and improve, others are just bad and stay bad. But The Wire is that very rare thing -- possibly unique -- where you start off uncertain because it only works the more of it you see. And, I suspect, its true quality (however high that may or may not be) is only revealed once you've seen the complete season -- or, to put it another way, the complete story.
Also worthy of note from this episode... well, many things, I'm sure -- but the one bit I wanted to mention is a great sequence in which Detectives McNulty and Bunk analyse a cold case crime scene without saying a word bar variations on the word "fuck". (In practice, this is less Tarantino than it sounds here.)
Some shows start and grab you immediately; they can then either build on this or throw it all away (more often than not it's the latter, sadly). Others are quite good and improve, others are just bad and stay bad. But The Wire is that very rare thing -- possibly unique -- where you start off uncertain because it only works the more of it you see. And, I suspect, its true quality (however high that may or may not be) is only revealed once you've seen the complete season -- or, to put it another way, the complete story.
Also worthy of note from this episode... well, many things, I'm sure -- but the one bit I wanted to mention is a great sequence in which Detectives McNulty and Bunk analyse a cold case crime scene without saying a word bar variations on the word "fuck". (In practice, this is less Tarantino than it sounds here.)
Poem of the Week: Jabberwocky
by Lewis Carroll
I was rather surprised to discover I hadn't had this for Poem of the Week yet (I'd merely suggested the idea a couple of months ago), and so, in need of a speedy one this week, here it is.
As usual, first the poem, then some brief notes.
Jabberwocky is, of course, a nonsense poem, and quite possibly the most famous of them all. It was originally published in 1871 as part of the novel Through the Looking Glass, the sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, both of which are fairly nonsensical in themselves. (They're also both great, quick reads, incidentally, if you've never read them.)
Interestingly, it's managed to take on quite a life of its own beyond this. As well as its independent popularity and featuring in some of the adaptations of the Alice books, there's been both a feature-length film adaption by director Terry Gilliam and, before that, a short film featuring the whole poem by Czech surrealist Jan Švankmajer. I've seen neither, so can't vouch for either's quality.
I was rather surprised to discover I hadn't had this for Poem of the Week yet (I'd merely suggested the idea a couple of months ago), and so, in need of a speedy one this week, here it is.
As usual, first the poem, then some brief notes.
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought—
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! and through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!"
He chortled in his joy.
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
Jabberwocky is, of course, a nonsense poem, and quite possibly the most famous of them all. It was originally published in 1871 as part of the novel Through the Looking Glass, the sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, both of which are fairly nonsensical in themselves. (They're also both great, quick reads, incidentally, if you've never read them.)
Interestingly, it's managed to take on quite a life of its own beyond this. As well as its independent popularity and featuring in some of the adaptations of the Alice books, there's been both a feature-length film adaption by director Terry Gilliam and, before that, a short film featuring the whole poem by Czech surrealist Jan Švankmajer. I've seen neither, so can't vouch for either's quality.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Articles
Lots today, on all sorts of subjects, so let's get going...
Checklist: Fad Wars! by Bonnie Burton, Pete Vilmur & Pablo Hidalgo
(from Star Wars official site)
There's been a helluva lot of Star Wars tat produced over the years, and here's a catalogue of some of the worst. No, younger readers, it's not an April Fools -- all this stuff really was made.
Quint has seen the first footage from Neill Blomkamp's District 9 at ShoWest! by Quint
(from Ain't It Cool News)
This sounds brilliant -- I am now massively more hyped for it than I was before and can't wait to see the trailer. Also, I personally really enjoyed Cloverfield, enough to put it in my Top 10 of 2008 (which you'll see is relevant if you read the article).
Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation To Get UK Premiere In London
(from Fan Cinema Today)
But sadly not a wider release.
Tauntaun Sleeping Bag
(from Think Geek)
This started out as an April Fools joke, but clearly proved too popular: "Due to an overwhelming tsunami of requests from YOU THE PEOPLE, we have decided to TRY and bring this to life." Yup, really.
Top Hollywood classics get advertising makeover by Cal
(from Heroes of the East)
Amusingly satirical April Fools article on putting product placement into classic films.
Wallpaper sparks transphobia complaints by Daniel Kilkelly
(from Digital Spy)
I guess you had to be there...
We Don't Want Your Wolverine Reviews!!! by Beaks
(from Ain't It Cool News)
You've probably heard about the Wolverine leak by now -- the "April Fools that wasn't", as I like to call it -- but here's a bit from AICN just in case.
Checklist: Fad Wars! by Bonnie Burton, Pete Vilmur & Pablo Hidalgo
(from Star Wars official site)
There's been a helluva lot of Star Wars tat produced over the years, and here's a catalogue of some of the worst. No, younger readers, it's not an April Fools -- all this stuff really was made.
Quint has seen the first footage from Neill Blomkamp's District 9 at ShoWest! by Quint
(from Ain't It Cool News)
This sounds brilliant -- I am now massively more hyped for it than I was before and can't wait to see the trailer. Also, I personally really enjoyed Cloverfield, enough to put it in my Top 10 of 2008 (which you'll see is relevant if you read the article).
Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation To Get UK Premiere In London
(from Fan Cinema Today)
But sadly not a wider release.
Tauntaun Sleeping Bag
(from Think Geek)
This started out as an April Fools joke, but clearly proved too popular: "Due to an overwhelming tsunami of requests from YOU THE PEOPLE, we have decided to TRY and bring this to life." Yup, really.
Top Hollywood classics get advertising makeover by Cal
(from Heroes of the East)
Amusingly satirical April Fools article on putting product placement into classic films.
Wallpaper sparks transphobia complaints by Daniel Kilkelly
(from Digital Spy)
I guess you had to be there...
We Don't Want Your Wolverine Reviews!!! by Beaks
(from Ain't It Cool News)
You've probably heard about the Wolverine leak by now -- the "April Fools that wasn't", as I like to call it -- but here's a bit from AICN just in case.
The Wire 1x03: The Buys
Three episodes in and The Wire is definitely growing on me. It's also becoming much clearer why people refer to it as "a novel on TV".
Other shows will often wrap up subplots within an episode, or handily remind you of them in a recap -- even ones that are also one long story, like Damages (I think I'll be making this comparison often through the series). The Wire, on the other hand, merrily plays little things that seem to have resolved themselves within a scene, but are actually setting things up for a future episode. This is done without a single opening recap to jog the memory. Perhaps best of all, many of these little things aren't absolutely essential to understand the ongoing plot, but do deepen character and events considerably.
For example, take the opening of this episode, in which D'Angelo argues against the violent way Baltimore's drugs trade is run. All his points are directly lifted from the police interview he had in the previous episode. You can understand the scene just fine without remembering this, but it's so much richer if you do. Similar little moments play out throughout the episode(s). I suspect this is one of the main reasons it's attracted such a devout following.
While I'm still not convinced it's the Best TV Series Of All Time Ever, the way its true quality is revealed gradually means I'll be reserving final judgement until at least the end of the season, perhaps even the end of the series.
Other shows will often wrap up subplots within an episode, or handily remind you of them in a recap -- even ones that are also one long story, like Damages (I think I'll be making this comparison often through the series). The Wire, on the other hand, merrily plays little things that seem to have resolved themselves within a scene, but are actually setting things up for a future episode. This is done without a single opening recap to jog the memory. Perhaps best of all, many of these little things aren't absolutely essential to understand the ongoing plot, but do deepen character and events considerably.
For example, take the opening of this episode, in which D'Angelo argues against the violent way Baltimore's drugs trade is run. All his points are directly lifted from the police interview he had in the previous episode. You can understand the scene just fine without remembering this, but it's so much richer if you do. Similar little moments play out throughout the episode(s). I suspect this is one of the main reasons it's attracted such a devout following.
While I'm still not convinced it's the Best TV Series Of All Time Ever, the way its true quality is revealed gradually means I'll be reserving final judgement until at least the end of the season, perhaps even the end of the series.
24: Unaired 1994 Pilot
This clip has done the rounds around the 'net a couple of times now, so figured it was about time I shared it.
It's probably a bit too long, and if you've never seen 24 you won't get it, but otherwise it's very funny.
It's probably a bit too long, and if you've never seen 24 you won't get it, but otherwise it's very funny.
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
TV
The Apprentice
5x02 (1/4/09 edition)
Not entirely sure how or why I found myself watching this (for the first time ever, I should add). It's just as rubbish as I always thought it looked, to be honest, so I shan't be bothering again
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Ashes to Ashes Series 2 Trailer
The first series of Ashes suffered in some quarters by comparisons to its parent show, Life on Mars. Is it as good as Mars? Probably not. But it's certainly a well-above-average drama and I'm very glad to see it back, and this specially-shot trailer was certainly a lot of fun. Hopefully they can make it as far as the proposed third year, and then I suspect it will be time to leave the LoM universe alone. But you never know...
Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead Trailer
With so little new Who this year its good to see that this Easter special -- our only televisual dose until Christmas -- looks so promising. My initial thoughts are that it looks a bit like Voyage of the Damned crossed with Pitch Black -- two things I love, incidentally, so in my opinion this is a Good Thing.
It's also entertained me that the trailer confirmed a Saturday 11th broadcast date. From some speculation somewhere a whole raft of people had got it into their heads that Sunday 12th was the confirmed date and have been bandying this around as fact. It always amuses me when something like that happens... and yet, these people never learn.
I've Never Seen Star Wars
1x03 Rory McGrath
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Wire
1x02 The Detail
Already becoming more engrossing, though yet to grab me as much as some other one-long-story series do. Let's put it this way: I think I may be able to see why some fans prefer to wait and watch it all in one go.
5x02 (1/4/09 edition)
Not entirely sure how or why I found myself watching this (for the first time ever, I should add). It's just as rubbish as I always thought it looked, to be honest, so I shan't be bothering again
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Ashes to Ashes Series 2 Trailer
The first series of Ashes suffered in some quarters by comparisons to its parent show, Life on Mars. Is it as good as Mars? Probably not. But it's certainly a well-above-average drama and I'm very glad to see it back, and this specially-shot trailer was certainly a lot of fun. Hopefully they can make it as far as the proposed third year, and then I suspect it will be time to leave the LoM universe alone. But you never know...
Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead Trailer
With so little new Who this year its good to see that this Easter special -- our only televisual dose until Christmas -- looks so promising. My initial thoughts are that it looks a bit like Voyage of the Damned crossed with Pitch Black -- two things I love, incidentally, so in my opinion this is a Good Thing.
It's also entertained me that the trailer confirmed a Saturday 11th broadcast date. From some speculation somewhere a whole raft of people had got it into their heads that Sunday 12th was the confirmed date and have been bandying this around as fact. It always amuses me when something like that happens... and yet, these people never learn.
I've Never Seen Star Wars
1x03 Rory McGrath
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Wire
1x02 The Detail
Already becoming more engrossing, though yet to grab me as much as some other one-long-story series do. Let's put it this way: I think I may be able to see why some fans prefer to wait and watch it all in one go.
Articles
Number 2 Has Got Number 6 All Bottled Up, In New Prisoner Poster by Charlie Jane Anders
(from io9)
A fairly cool poster for what will be an interesting remake. The presence of Ian McKellen in the cast certainly suggests quality. Also included, a poster for the new Day of the Triffids. Dreadful poster, wonderful cast.
Review of State of Play by Shonette Laffy
(from Total Film)
While they come out on the positive side, it still doesn't sound great to me. But we'll see.
Simon Pegg Exclusive by Nick Setchfield
(from SFX)
A good interview with "alpha geek" Simon Pegg, covering Tintin, working with Spielberg, and various other future projects. Perhaps best of all, it confirms that Thomson and Thompson will look alike in the Tintin films, despite being played by the physically-very-different Pegg and Frost.
Apparently this interview is part one of two (or more), so eyes peeled for the rest.
And for a list of lists (related to films), have a look here.
(from io9)
A fairly cool poster for what will be an interesting remake. The presence of Ian McKellen in the cast certainly suggests quality. Also included, a poster for the new Day of the Triffids. Dreadful poster, wonderful cast.
Review of State of Play by Shonette Laffy
(from Total Film)
While they come out on the positive side, it still doesn't sound great to me. But we'll see.
Simon Pegg Exclusive by Nick Setchfield
(from SFX)
A good interview with "alpha geek" Simon Pegg, covering Tintin, working with Spielberg, and various other future projects. Perhaps best of all, it confirms that Thomson and Thompson will look alike in the Tintin films, despite being played by the physically-very-different Pegg and Frost.
Apparently this interview is part one of two (or more), so eyes peeled for the rest.
And for a list of lists (related to films), have a look here.
Total Film lists
I'm posting this separately from today's main articles post because, quite simply, there are rather a lot of them. All can be found at Total Film's website (where there are many, many more) and all written by Sam Ashurst.
10 Unbelievable Future Movie Posters
Total Film's attempt at an April Fools joke. Unfortunately very few are believable enough to pull that off; plus the sheer volume of posters included and the facetious tone at the start of the article give the game away immediately. And I swear I've seen that Avatar poster as a real one on numerous sites... which is no guarantee of authenticity, of course.
Among the others, the New Moon one is believably dull, the Riddler Bat-sequel one is believably 'til you reach the pathetically-handled title, and the Harley Quinn Bat one is easily the best. I don't imagine they'll actually use Quinn in the next Bat film, but if they did I can well imagine she'd look like that.
The 10 Worst Sequels Of The '80s
Only 10? They must've been spoilt for choice.
The 16 Endings They Didn’t Want You To See
A mix of ones that aren't missed (Brazil, Blade Runner, y) and some that are superior (I Am Legend). Be warned, there are some serious spoilers in this list.
The 17 Worst Movie Posters Of 2009
Some of these aren't actually all that bad. And some really, really are. My favourite is the one for Fired Up, which is literally just a big "F U".
10 Unbelievable Future Movie Posters
Total Film's attempt at an April Fools joke. Unfortunately very few are believable enough to pull that off; plus the sheer volume of posters included and the facetious tone at the start of the article give the game away immediately. And I swear I've seen that Avatar poster as a real one on numerous sites... which is no guarantee of authenticity, of course.
Among the others, the New Moon one is believably dull, the Riddler Bat-sequel one is believably 'til you reach the pathetically-handled title, and the Harley Quinn Bat one is easily the best. I don't imagine they'll actually use Quinn in the next Bat film, but if they did I can well imagine she'd look like that.
The 10 Worst Sequels Of The '80s
Only 10? They must've been spoilt for choice.
The 16 Endings They Didn’t Want You To See
A mix of ones that aren't missed (Brazil, Blade Runner, y) and some that are superior (I Am Legend). Be warned, there are some serious spoilers in this list.
The 17 Worst Movie Posters Of 2009
Some of these aren't actually all that bad. And some really, really are. My favourite is the one for Fired Up, which is literally just a big "F U".
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
TV
Argumental
2x02 (30/3/09 edition)
In which Rufus Hound summarises four years' of Doctor Who's arc plots in one very long sentence. Impressive.
The Wire
1x01 The Target
With BBC Two airing The Wire rather late at night, I'm intending to watch every episode the next day -- so, the episode that was actually on TV this evening was 1x02 (just in case this has confused you).
For my thoughts on this episode, look here.
2x02 (30/3/09 edition)
In which Rufus Hound summarises four years' of Doctor Who's arc plots in one very long sentence. Impressive.
The Wire
1x01 The Target
With BBC Two airing The Wire rather late at night, I'm intending to watch every episode the next day -- so, the episode that was actually on TV this evening was 1x02 (just in case this has confused you).
For my thoughts on this episode, look here.
Articles
David Cronenberg Making Plans For Eastern Promises Sequel by Eric Ditzian
(from Movies Blog at MTV)
I've yet to see the highly acclaimed Eastern Promises... but now I know the big twist ending, thanks to this article. And Cronenberg himself has warned against this! Bastard news article writers.
Anyway, if you've not seen it, let the title and following quote satiate your interest:
"“We are going to have a meeting very soon between me, [screenwriter] Steve Knight and [producer] Paul Webster to discuss what the script would be,” Cronenberg said. “I have some very strong ideas about what I would like to see, but I would like to hear what they have to say as well. And then after that, if all goes well, Steve goes away and writes a great script. If we all like it, we make it.”"
First Footage of Sherlock Holmes Shown At ShoWest! by George 'El Guapo' Roush
(from Latino Review)
Sounds pretty cool -- despite the involvement of Guy Ritchie and Jude Law, and potential irreverence to the source material, I'm still quite looking forward to the film. At the very least it will be Interesting.
Here's a Poster Featuring Downey As Sherlock Holmes... by Merrick
(from Ain't It Cool News)
That's quite a cool poster too, if you ask me.
Okay, Hot Toys Is Getting Absurd
(from Topless Robot)
This new 'Heath Ledger's Joker' action figure is mad. Not only is it freakishly accurate, not only is it crazily accessorized, but its eyes move. No, really, they do. Check out the full article for more on that.
(from Movies Blog at MTV)
I've yet to see the highly acclaimed Eastern Promises... but now I know the big twist ending, thanks to this article. And Cronenberg himself has warned against this! Bastard news article writers.
Anyway, if you've not seen it, let the title and following quote satiate your interest:
"“We are going to have a meeting very soon between me, [screenwriter] Steve Knight and [producer] Paul Webster to discuss what the script would be,” Cronenberg said. “I have some very strong ideas about what I would like to see, but I would like to hear what they have to say as well. And then after that, if all goes well, Steve goes away and writes a great script. If we all like it, we make it.”"
First Footage of Sherlock Holmes Shown At ShoWest! by George 'El Guapo' Roush
(from Latino Review)
Sounds pretty cool -- despite the involvement of Guy Ritchie and Jude Law, and potential irreverence to the source material, I'm still quite looking forward to the film. At the very least it will be Interesting.
Here's a Poster Featuring Downey As Sherlock Holmes... by Merrick
(from Ain't It Cool News)
That's quite a cool poster too, if you ask me.
Okay, Hot Toys Is Getting Absurd
(from Topless Robot)
This new 'Heath Ledger's Joker' action figure is mad. Not only is it freakishly accurate, not only is it crazily accessorized, but its eyes move. No, really, they do. Check out the full article for more on that.
The Wire 1x01: The Target
The Wire arrives on the back of 7 years' (yes, 7 years!) worth of massive hype. Is it as good as everyone says?
On the strength of one episode, it's hard to tell. Some series' brilliance strikes you clearly after just one episode -- The Wire is not one of those series. This makes it a bit of a struggle to see why it's so widely acclaimed as the greatest TV series ever made. Equally, fans go on about how it takes time to get into and the story is really spread across many episodes (as if 24 didn't do that even earlier, and numerous series haven't used the same idea since; or, indeed, as if we aren't used to long multi-part adaptations of fiction), so I'll give it more of a chance yet.
This has raised some interesting points for me, however. As many fans are keen to tell you, The Wire is more like a novel than traditional TV, actually telling one story over all 13 episodes of the season. Of course, as I've noted above, this is a much-imitated style nowadays -- it's exactly what legal thriller Damages does, for example -- but The Wire really does it: where other shows still try to make each episode function in itself somehow, this doesn't matter to The Wire, where you're served one thirteenth of the drama.
Is this a valid use of the form? By which I mean, should it actually see the episodic format as a virtue and make each episode moderately self-contained (as Damages does). If it wants to tell one long story, why isn't it a novel, where it is theoretically uninterrupted? (Of course few people read novels in one sitting, but you're aware it's one whole work, whereas a season of 13 episodes is, in one way or another, 13 separate but connected works.)
I don't have an answer to any of this, but it's something I'm wondering. We'll see how things progress over the next 12 hours.
On the strength of one episode, it's hard to tell. Some series' brilliance strikes you clearly after just one episode -- The Wire is not one of those series. This makes it a bit of a struggle to see why it's so widely acclaimed as the greatest TV series ever made. Equally, fans go on about how it takes time to get into and the story is really spread across many episodes (as if 24 didn't do that even earlier, and numerous series haven't used the same idea since; or, indeed, as if we aren't used to long multi-part adaptations of fiction), so I'll give it more of a chance yet.
This has raised some interesting points for me, however. As many fans are keen to tell you, The Wire is more like a novel than traditional TV, actually telling one story over all 13 episodes of the season. Of course, as I've noted above, this is a much-imitated style nowadays -- it's exactly what legal thriller Damages does, for example -- but The Wire really does it: where other shows still try to make each episode function in itself somehow, this doesn't matter to The Wire, where you're served one thirteenth of the drama.
Is this a valid use of the form? By which I mean, should it actually see the episodic format as a virtue and make each episode moderately self-contained (as Damages does). If it wants to tell one long story, why isn't it a novel, where it is theoretically uninterrupted? (Of course few people read novels in one sitting, but you're aware it's one whole work, whereas a season of 13 episodes is, in one way or another, 13 separate but connected works.)
I don't have an answer to any of this, but it's something I'm wondering. We'll see how things progress over the next 12 hours.
Monday, 30 March 2009
TV
Law & Order: UK
1x06 Paradise
Another strong episode, if still subject to the series' penchant for worthiness... though at least it seems to be aware of it, turning it into a character flaw rather than just blunt writing. Well done.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Mentalist
1x01 Pilot
Sherlock Holmes meets Derren Brown by way of any old US cop show in Five's latest import. As a fan of at least two out of those three things, this is very promising.
1x06 Paradise
Another strong episode, if still subject to the series' penchant for worthiness... though at least it seems to be aware of it, turning it into a character flaw rather than just blunt writing. Well done.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Mentalist
1x01 Pilot
Sherlock Holmes meets Derren Brown by way of any old US cop show in Five's latest import. As a fan of at least two out of those three things, this is very promising.
Films
Big Nothing (2006)
[#12 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
This is the third new film in a row I've watched on TV, an unusually high number for me.
[#12 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
This is the third new film in a row I've watched on TV, an unusually high number for me.
Articles
Robin Hood tops Primeval in ratings by Neil Wilkes
(from Digital Spy)
"The return of Robin Hood beat the return of Primeval in the ratings... The BBC drama averaged 5.62m (25.8%)... Its ITV1 rival, also launching its third run, put in 5.27m (23.7%)...
Hood suffered from being up against Harry Hill's TV Burp... but when Primeval began Hood's audience jumped from 5.65m to a peak of 6.74m (29.7%) within five minutes.
The audience for Hood was roughly on par with that for the first episode of series two, which managed 5.76m... Primeval, meanwhile, was down around 500k on its second series premiere, which delivered 5.72m."
Clearly I wasn't the only one who preferred the Hood. Their overall closeness may not be enough to jolt ITV into moving them out of direct competition, sadly, though Primeval's drop from last year and Hood's spike when Primeval began might convince them...
Weekend Report: Monsters, Haunting Scare Up Big Business by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
But never mind them -- this is an "oh dear" update on Watchmen:
"Watchmen's rapid descent persisted, this time dissipating 59% to an estimated $2.8 million... The superhero drama did lose more than half of its screens and showings from last weekend, but there were still many more than enough to satiate any remaining audience interest. On its 21st day, it crossed the $100 million mark, but it was the slowest of any movie that opened to over $50 million to reach that milestone".
(from Digital Spy)
"The return of Robin Hood beat the return of Primeval in the ratings... The BBC drama averaged 5.62m (25.8%)... Its ITV1 rival, also launching its third run, put in 5.27m (23.7%)...
Hood suffered from being up against Harry Hill's TV Burp... but when Primeval began Hood's audience jumped from 5.65m to a peak of 6.74m (29.7%) within five minutes.
The audience for Hood was roughly on par with that for the first episode of series two, which managed 5.76m... Primeval, meanwhile, was down around 500k on its second series premiere, which delivered 5.72m."
Clearly I wasn't the only one who preferred the Hood. Their overall closeness may not be enough to jolt ITV into moving them out of direct competition, sadly, though Primeval's drop from last year and Hood's spike when Primeval began might convince them...
Weekend Report: Monsters, Haunting Scare Up Big Business by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
But never mind them -- this is an "oh dear" update on Watchmen:
"Watchmen's rapid descent persisted, this time dissipating 59% to an estimated $2.8 million... The superhero drama did lose more than half of its screens and showings from last weekend, but there were still many more than enough to satiate any remaining audience interest. On its 21st day, it crossed the $100 million mark, but it was the slowest of any movie that opened to over $50 million to reach that milestone".
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Films
Quantum of Solace (2008)
[2nd watch]
A much, much better film than many think -- I certainly appreciated it more on a second viewing. I suspect that, in time, this one may be reevaluated, much as On Her Majesty's Secret Service has been. Though it took that a couple of decades...
[2nd watch]
A much, much better film than many think -- I certainly appreciated it more on a second viewing. I suspect that, in time, this one may be reevaluated, much as On Her Majesty's Secret Service has been. Though it took that a couple of decades...
Articles
Daniel Craig On Pushing James Bond Forward by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
Fairly long interview with the incumbent Bond actor, discussing Quantum of Solace and touching on Bond 23.
End of Rainbow Captured On iPhone Camera, No Pot Of Gold by Sean Fallon
(from Gizmodo)
I drove past the end of a rainbow the other day. I didn't take a photo, because I was DRIVING.
(from CommanderBond.net)
Fairly long interview with the incumbent Bond actor, discussing Quantum of Solace and touching on Bond 23.
End of Rainbow Captured On iPhone Camera, No Pot Of Gold by Sean Fallon
(from Gizmodo)
I drove past the end of a rainbow the other day. I didn't take a photo, because I was DRIVING.
Saturday, 28 March 2009
TV
BBC One Sessions
Annie Lennox
Like Duffy's at Christmas, I found myself watching this quite by accident. I'd forgotten just how many well-known songs Annie Lennox had been involved in, and the others were mostly very good too.
Was able to watch it on BBC HD, though mostly just listened, but when I looked up it did look prettier.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Graham Norton Show
5x03 (19/3/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Robin Hood
3x01 Total Eclipse
Robin Hood and Primeval both returned tonight, foolishly scheduled against each other. I chose Hood to make a point, though will be sure to catch up on Primeval later. They clash again next week; hopefully after that one channel will see sense and move their programme out of the way.
As for the programme itself, it was nicely action packed. It's nice to see they've learnt this lesson, as it was sometimes lacking during the first season. Also watched it on BBC HD, which was quite nice.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Annie Lennox
Like Duffy's at Christmas, I found myself watching this quite by accident. I'd forgotten just how many well-known songs Annie Lennox had been involved in, and the others were mostly very good too.
Was able to watch it on BBC HD, though mostly just listened, but when I looked up it did look prettier.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Graham Norton Show
5x03 (19/3/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Robin Hood
3x01 Total Eclipse
Robin Hood and Primeval both returned tonight, foolishly scheduled against each other. I chose Hood to make a point, though will be sure to catch up on Primeval later. They clash again next week; hopefully after that one channel will see sense and move their programme out of the way.
As for the programme itself, it was nicely action packed. It's nice to see they've learnt this lesson, as it was sometimes lacking during the first season. Also watched it on BBC HD, which was quite nice.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
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