The Queen
Part 5 How Do You Solve a Problem Like Camilla? [final episode]
...and today is that day. Felt almost like Part Two of the last episode, this one.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
You Have Been Watching
2x07 Kids' TV
I was going to mention a couple of quotes from this episode, or maybe add a screencap, but in the end there was just too much hilarity to choose from. So just watch it. All of it. Go on, you've earnt it.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Monday, 31 May 2010
Websites
Ultra Culture
Normally this would go under Articles, but this is my new favourite film blog (that I've discovered today) so there's too much to share. Check out the Daily Mail-satirising post on The Killer Inside Me, for example, or the analysis of The Twilight Saga in Promotional Photos and Amanda Seyfried's career in promotional photos.
I was made aware of this blog thanks to Edgar Wright's twitter, where he mentioned the post Our 10 favourite bits from the second Scott Pilgrim trailer. I like numbers 3, 4, 7, 9, and, of course, 8.
Normally this would go under Articles, but this is my new favourite film blog (that I've discovered today) so there's too much to share. Check out the Daily Mail-satirising post on The Killer Inside Me, for example, or the analysis of The Twilight Saga in Promotional Photos and Amanda Seyfried's career in promotional photos.
I was made aware of this blog thanks to Edgar Wright's twitter, where he mentioned the post Our 10 favourite bits from the second Scott Pilgrim trailer. I like numbers 3, 4, 7, 9, and, of course, 8.
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Films
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
[#56 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Read the 100 Films review here.
[#56 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Read the 100 Films review here.
this week on 100 Films
3 new feature-film reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Coraline (2009)
Seraphim Falls (2006)
Taken (2008)
Also this week, 2 reviews of shorts were posted...
Pixels (2010)
The World of Tomorrow (1998)
More next Sunday.
Coraline (2009)
it’s scary. Very scary, in places. For much of the film there’s a beautiful creepy atmosphere, enhanced by drifting fog and skewed camera angles, but towards the end — when the full truth of the Other Mother is revealed — it’s not just kids who are likely to be freaked out. Dark themes and situations abound
Seraphim Falls (2006)
It’s centred neatly around Neeson chasing Brosnan, but the encounters they have along the way are increasingly bizarre. It’s readily apparent that there’s some Meaning and Subtext here, but I’m not sure if one has to process this to appreciate the film — it’s a still a chase movie (of sorts) after all.
Taken (2008)
remember Man On Fire? The Tony Scott/Denzel Washington one. Well, replace Washington with Neeson and Dakota Fanning’s character with “his daughter” and you’ve more or less got it. Taken is practically a remake, only in Europe, with a happier ending, and an hour shorter. It’s also not as good
Also this week, 2 reviews of shorts were posted...
Pixels (2010)
The plot is simple: characters and graphics from old 8-bit computer games escape and run riot over New York City. We’re talking Space Invaders firing on real streets, Tetris blocks crashing onto buildings... For people of A Certain Age it’s an explosion of nostalgia, but everyone can be impressed by the CGI on display.
The World of Tomorrow (1998)
In comparison to its big brother, nearly every shot is exactly duplicated in the final film. Most don’t look much more primitive here. The resolution’s lower, it’s perhaps a bit jagged round the edges, and it’s in deliberately dirtied black and white rather than the glowing sepia-hued colour of the feature, but it shows the concept worked.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
TV
Doctor Who
31x09 Cold Blood
Well, that was an ignominious end. Even Adric got better than that!
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Eurovision Song Contest: Oslo 2010
The UK's rubbish entry deserved to come last, but Belarus deserved better and Denmark (as well as some others) deserved less.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
31x09 Cold Blood
Well, that was an ignominious end. Even Adric got better than that!
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Eurovision Song Contest: Oslo 2010
The UK's rubbish entry deserved to come last, but Belarus deserved better and Denmark (as well as some others) deserved less.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Friday, 28 May 2010
TV
The Mentalist
2x15 Red Herring
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Queen
Part 4 The Enemy Within
One day I'll finish watching this series...
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
2x15 Red Herring
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Queen
Part 4 The Enemy Within
One day I'll finish watching this series...
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
DVD Extras
Knowing All: The Making of a Futuristic Thriller
Brief but informative making-of featurette from the Knowing Blu-ray. Ironically, I only watched it because it was short, yet it felt like there was lots more to say about the film's production. I suppose that's what the director's commentary is for.
Brief but informative making-of featurette from the Knowing Blu-ray. Ironically, I only watched it because it was short, yet it felt like there was lots more to say about the film's production. I suppose that's what the director's commentary is for.
Articles
FlashForward finale: Did advance planning do more harm than good for the show? by Lynette Rice
(from Hollywood Insider at EW.com)
Steampunks gather for Great Exhibition by Mark Ward
(from BBC News)
It's funny how older stories sometimes turn up in BBC News' "most popular" list, like this rather cool one from the end of March.
(from Hollywood Insider at EW.com)
Steampunks gather for Great Exhibition by Mark Ward
(from BBC News)
It's funny how older stories sometimes turn up in BBC News' "most popular" list, like this rather cool one from the end of March.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Two Complete Series box sets this week mean the usual small changes to title-totals, but big shifts in terms of discs and TV episodes. Lovely.
Number of titles in collection: 1,175 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,088 [up 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 87 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 2,884 [up 40]
Number of films in collection: 1,239 [no change]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,045 [up 129]
Statistic of the week:
Number of Masters of Cinema DVDs/BDs in collection:
31
(36% of MoC titles)
Normally I'd tie a stat like this to a new purchase, but, no, I just had the idea. Though I also just ordered Tabu, so that kinda counts.
(Also, note that while MoC have 101 films numbered in their collection, some titles contain multiple numbers (e.g. the Lubitsch box set is #94-99). Re-counting just titles brings their total down to 86, which is the number used above so as to match my other collection stats. Out of their 101 film, I own 41, or 40.6%. In case you cared.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Two Complete Series box sets this week mean the usual small changes to title-totals, but big shifts in terms of discs and TV episodes. Lovely.
Number of titles in collection: 1,175 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,088 [up 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 87 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 2,884 [up 40]
Number of films in collection: 1,239 [no change]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,045 [up 129]
Statistic of the week:
Number of Masters of Cinema DVDs/BDs in collection:
31
(36% of MoC titles)
Normally I'd tie a stat like this to a new purchase, but, no, I just had the idea. Though I also just ordered Tabu, so that kinda counts.
(Also, note that while MoC have 101 films numbered in their collection, some titles contain multiple numbers (e.g. the Lubitsch box set is #94-99). Re-counting just titles brings their total down to 86, which is the number used above so as to match my other collection stats. Out of their 101 film, I own 41, or 40.6%. In case you cared.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
TV
The Graham Norton Show
7x07 (24/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Luther
1x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
7x07 (24/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Luther
1x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
Evangelion Movie Beats Blu-ray Records in Japan by Juan Calonge
(from Blu-ray.com)
(from Blu-ray.com)
anime feature film Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance sold 195,000 Blu-ray Discs in Japan, easily beating the first-day sales record for a Blu-ray release in that country (which previously belonged to Michael Jackson's This Is It with 122,000 copies). Over 60% of the total disc sales of this title came from the Blu-ray version.Nice news. Now I just hope for a speedy Western release, as the first film was so good.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x21 Countdown
It's quite hard to feel any sympathy for the breakdown of Dem & Zoe's engagement, considering she's been an unlikeable pussy-whipping bitch throughout. Good riddance to her, in fact. Indeed, FlashForward routinely fails on all emotional fronts -- the supposedly moving scene between Mark and Charlie was a particularly weak and over-sentimental example in my opinion.
Still, only one more ep to go, and then we'll have all the answers we're ever going to have.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
You Have Been Watching
2x06 (20/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
1x21 Countdown
It's quite hard to feel any sympathy for the breakdown of Dem & Zoe's engagement, considering she's been an unlikeable pussy-whipping bitch throughout. Good riddance to her, in fact. Indeed, FlashForward routinely fails on all emotional fronts -- the supposedly moving scene between Mark and Charlie was a particularly weak and over-sentimental example in my opinion.
Still, only one more ep to go, and then we'll have all the answers we're ever going to have.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
You Have Been Watching
2x06 (20/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Films
Insomnia (1997)
[#52 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Swedish original of the Al Pacino/Robin Williams/Chris Nolan film, which I watched almost exactly a year ago. Slightly weird coincidence there then.
[#52 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Swedish original of the Al Pacino/Robin Williams/Chris Nolan film, which I watched almost exactly a year ago. Slightly weird coincidence there then.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
TV
Outnumbered
3x06 Programme 6 [season finale]
A more low-key series-closer than Outnumbered usually does, I thought. Good news that they show no signs of stopping though -- I miss it already.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x05 Cellisten (aka The Cellist)
One of the more interesting things about Wallander is how it can do an episode about the Russian mafia, featuring car bombs and multiple murders, and still feel resolutely low-key. It has a knack for making the improbable feel almost real.
3x06 Programme 6 [season finale]
A more low-key series-closer than Outnumbered usually does, I thought. Good news that they show no signs of stopping though -- I miss it already.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x05 Cellisten (aka The Cellist)
One of the more interesting things about Wallander is how it can do an episode about the Russian mafia, featuring car bombs and multiple murders, and still feel resolutely low-key. It has a knack for making the improbable feel almost real.
Music
Mind Heist by Zack Hemsey
The lovely music from the third Inception trailer, written especially for it. Beautifully Dark Knight-y. One 'review' of the trailer described this track thusly:
Yup.
You can listen to it streamed here. It's available to buy once the film's out, but if you're A Bit Naughty you can actually download that stream. But you didn't hear that from me.
The lovely music from the third Inception trailer, written especially for it. Beautifully Dark Knight-y. One 'review' of the trailer described this track thusly:
and the music...the way it grates into your head, into your nerves, it puts you on edge while simultaneously making you feel that this is the most important movie of the year and that the stakes are so high in this, how can you not go see it?
Yup.
You can listen to it streamed here. It's available to buy once the film's out, but if you're A Bit Naughty you can actually download that stream. But you didn't hear that from me.
Articles
Cannes 2010. End of the Line: Outrage (Takeshi Kitano, Japan) by Daniel Kasman
(from Mubi)
Interesting review of Kitano's latest, offering a different perspective to most.
Towel Day 2010: Take some time to enjoy the genius of Douglas Adams by Shane Richmond (from Telegraph.co.uk)
and
Towel day: Douglas Adams remembered across the globe by Michelle Pauli (from guardian.co.uk)
RIP Douglas.
On a related note...
How to Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Internet by Douglas Adams
(from DouglasAdams.com)
As mentioned in the Telegraph article. It's 11 years old, but it's still largely relevant.
(from Mubi)
Interesting review of Kitano's latest, offering a different perspective to most.
Towel Day 2010: Take some time to enjoy the genius of Douglas Adams by Shane Richmond (from Telegraph.co.uk)
and
Towel day: Douglas Adams remembered across the globe by Michelle Pauli (from guardian.co.uk)
RIP Douglas.
On a related note...
How to Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Internet by Douglas Adams
(from DouglasAdams.com)
As mentioned in the Telegraph article. It's 11 years old, but it's still largely relevant.
Monday, 24 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x20 The Negotiation
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Mentalist
2x14 Blood In, Blood Out
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.
1x20 The Negotiation
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Mentalist
2x14 Blood In, Blood Out
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.
Articles
Shrek Shrinks with Fourth Movie by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
More details and analysis at the link. I like that 3D may be to blame.
(from Box Office Mojo)
Shrek Forever After debuted far, far below the mighty starts of some of its predecessors, grossing an estimated $71.3 million on approximately 9,500 screens, the broadest launch ever for an animated movie.
Shrek the Third still holds the record for highest-grossing animated opening with $121.6 million, followed by Shrek 2 and The Simpsons Movie. Shrek Forever After ranks fourth on that list, although, in terms of estimated attendance, it would barely make the Top 20... opening 41 percent lower than last movie despite the 3D ticket price boost was alarmingly severe. In terms of attendance, the slip was even more extreme: down 59 percent.
More details and analysis at the link. I like that 3D may be to blame.
Sunday, 23 May 2010
TV
An Audience with Michael Bublé
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Doctor Who
31x08 The Hungry Earth
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
House
6x22 Help Me [season finale]
Brilliant episode, what a great way to end the season. And, as usual, can't wait for the next.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Doctor Who
31x08 The Hungry Earth
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
House
6x22 Help Me [season finale]
Brilliant episode, what a great way to end the season. And, as usual, can't wait for the next.
Articles
50 Beautiful Movie Posters by Alessandro Cattaneo
(from Smashing Magazine)
An interesting gallery of lovely posters, some obvious, some less so. And it's not at all as pretentious as you might expect.
(from Smashing Magazine)
An interesting gallery of lovely posters, some obvious, some less so. And it's not at all as pretentious as you might expect.
this week on 100 Films
3 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Righteous Kill (2008)
Waitress (2007)
More next Sunday.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
action sequences are frequent and fantastic throughout. The raid on the castle is tense, exciting and ultimately devastating — the troops left behind to certain slaughter is an incredibly dark moment in a PG-rated kids’ film.
Righteous Kill (2008)
it’s dull. Properly dull — not slow, not measured, not leisurely — just dull. Director Jon Avnet tries to spice things up occasionally with some swishy camerawork or editing, apparently forgetting he’s lensing a procedural thriller about a pair of 60-something cops and not Miami Vice 2.
Waitress (2007)
Some have criticised it for putting so much levity near such tragic topics; I can only assume they live in a different world to our’s, presumably one where either everything is punctuated by a laughter track or one where everything is underscored by Coldplay.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
TV
Ashes to Ashes
3x08 Episode 8 [series finale]
And so that's that. Intriguing and not-unguessable, which is probably a good thing, especially as some of the questions/possibilities left dangling allow us to fill in some bits how we choose to.
But nonetheless, you can read some interesting/revealing post-finale interviews with the series' co-creator here.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x07 (20/5/10; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 10
Show 10: Results
aka, The Final.
[Watch Show 10 and the results (again) on iPlayer.]
3x08 Episode 8 [series finale]
And so that's that. Intriguing and not-unguessable, which is probably a good thing, especially as some of the questions/possibilities left dangling allow us to fill in some bits how we choose to.
But nonetheless, you can read some interesting/revealing post-finale interviews with the series' co-creator here.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x07 (20/5/10; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 10
Show 10: Results
aka, The Final.
[Watch Show 10 and the results (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Tu£sday (2008)
[#51 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
An '80s-set crime movie starring Philip Glenister and John Simm? Appropriate, considering this weekend's big TV.
[#51 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
An '80s-set crime movie starring Philip Glenister and John Simm? Appropriate, considering this weekend's big TV.
Articles
Ashes Exclusive by Nick Setchfield (from SFX)
and
Ashes to Ashes: co-creator Matthew Graham says goodbye to Gene Hunt by Ian Wylie (from guardian.co.uk)
Two 'exclusive' interviews with Ashes to Ashes co-creator/finale writer Matthew Graham, published last night after the final episode. Still have some questions needing answers? He has them. (Though there's some repetition, each piece also has new info / a different spin.)
and
Ashes to Ashes: co-creator Matthew Graham says goodbye to Gene Hunt by Ian Wylie (from guardian.co.uk)
Two 'exclusive' interviews with Ashes to Ashes co-creator/finale writer Matthew Graham, published last night after the final episode. Still have some questions needing answers? He has them. (Though there's some repetition, each piece also has new info / a different spin.)
Friday, 21 May 2010
TV
Derren Brown Investigates
1x02 The Men with X-Ray Eyes
Verdict: fake. And actually quite exploitative. Nasty Russians.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
FlashForward
1x19 Course Correction
Spoke too soon...
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
1x02 The Men with X-Ray Eyes
Verdict: fake. And actually quite exploitative. Nasty Russians.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
FlashForward
1x19 Course Correction
Spoke too soon...
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
How to Gain from Dragon by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
Why How to Train Your Dragon has been a surprise box office hit, and that rarest of things, a consistent one.
(from Box Office Mojo)
Why How to Train Your Dragon has been a surprise box office hit, and that rarest of things, a consistent one.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
All new-release Blu-rays this week, one replacing a DVD. Exciting.
Number of titles in collection: 1,173 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,086 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 87 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 2,844 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,239 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Titles I've upgraded to Blu-ray:
26
(29.9% of Blu-rays. 2.3% of DVDs upgraded.)
Specifically, these are things I used to own on DVD that I've now replaced with Blu-rays... which I guess is what the name says. Though it also includes three where, for various reasons, I've still kept the DVD.
I have no immediate intention to attempt an upgrade of my remaining 1,086 DVDs. In most cases it wouldn't even be possible, in others of minimal benefit, and it would of course cost a bloody fortune. Most of my BD purchases are new films or things I missed on DVD for whatever reason -- 70.1%, to be precise -- and this is how I intend to continue forward. But a few more titles may well warrant the upgrade in the future, particularly as prices continue to fall.
See you next week, faithful reader.
All new-release Blu-rays this week, one replacing a DVD. Exciting.
Number of titles in collection: 1,173 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,086 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 87 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 2,844 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,239 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Titles I've upgraded to Blu-ray:
26
(29.9% of Blu-rays. 2.3% of DVDs upgraded.)
Specifically, these are things I used to own on DVD that I've now replaced with Blu-rays... which I guess is what the name says. Though it also includes three where, for various reasons, I've still kept the DVD.
I have no immediate intention to attempt an upgrade of my remaining 1,086 DVDs. In most cases it wouldn't even be possible, in others of minimal benefit, and it would of course cost a bloody fortune. Most of my BD purchases are new films or things I missed on DVD for whatever reason -- 70.1%, to be precise -- and this is how I intend to continue forward. But a few more titles may well warrant the upgrade in the future, particularly as prices continue to fall.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x18 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
More flashback-driven twists! Intrigue-tastic.
I'm almost beginning to like FlashForward now, which is sod's law considering it's been cancelled. Alternatively, maybe it's because I know it's All Over in just four more episodes that I don't mind so much.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x06 (17/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x08 Best Bits (extended repeat) [season finale]
Mostly hilarious, though the extended repeat's stand-up was a single routine, one so bad I'd actually wiped it from my memory (but I had seen it before -- I eventually remembered).
Also included in the extended version were some new bits cut from the series, including a selection of particularly funny montages. I would've linked directly to them on iPlayer, but for no known reason the BBC still insist on not putting the extended show up. Bastards.
[Watch the whole episode (shorter version only) on iPlayer.]
1x18 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
More flashback-driven twists! Intrigue-tastic.
I'm almost beginning to like FlashForward now, which is sod's law considering it's been cancelled. Alternatively, maybe it's because I know it's All Over in just four more episodes that I don't mind so much.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x06 (17/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x08 Best Bits (extended repeat) [season finale]
Mostly hilarious, though the extended repeat's stand-up was a single routine, one so bad I'd actually wiped it from my memory (but I had seen it before -- I eventually remembered).
Also included in the extended version were some new bits cut from the series, including a selection of particularly funny montages. I would've linked directly to them on iPlayer, but for no known reason the BBC still insist on not putting the extended show up. Bastards.
[Watch the whole episode (shorter version only) on iPlayer.]
Films
Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960)
[#50 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Halfway through, and it's still May -- hurrah!
[#50 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Halfway through, and it's still May -- hurrah!
Articles
Death to the spoiler police by Mary Elizabeth Williams
(from Salon.com)
I dislike spoilers as much as the next discerning viewer, and I don't want to go round spoiling things for others -- well, except maybe fans of something like Twilight -- but this article has several good points about spoilers and the way we behave around them.
Be warned, it spoils Citizen Kane, The Sixth Sense, Les Diaboliquse, Soylent Green, The Empire Strike Back, and some US reality series.
New Social Networking Site Changing The Way Oh, Christ, Forget It
(from The Onion)
(from Salon.com)
I dislike spoilers as much as the next discerning viewer, and I don't want to go round spoiling things for others -- well, except maybe fans of something like Twilight -- but this article has several good points about spoilers and the way we behave around them.
Be warned, it spoils Citizen Kane, The Sixth Sense, Les Diaboliquse, Soylent Green, The Empire Strike Back, and some US reality series.
New Social Networking Site Changing The Way Oh, Christ, Forget It
(from The Onion)
While millions of young, tech-savvy professionals already use services like Facebook and Twitter to keep in constant touch with friends, a new social networking platform called Foursquare has recently taken the oh, fucking hell, can't some other desperate news outlet cover this crap instead?
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Articles
Matthew Graham interview: the Ashes To Ashes finale by Simon Brew
(from Den of Geek!)
A completely spoiler-free interview with Ashes to Ashes co-creator Matthew Graham about The Last Ever Episode, which is on this Friday. Interesting, exciting, etc.
(from Den of Geek!)
A completely spoiler-free interview with Ashes to Ashes co-creator Matthew Graham about The Last Ever Episode, which is on this Friday. Interesting, exciting, etc.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
TV
House
6x21 Baggage
With the return of Therapist Blokey and Crazy Rapping Inmate Blokey, this feels almost like a sequel to the season opener. Which is so long ago now it feels like it was last season to me. Talking of which, season finale next week.
Luther
1x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
6x21 Baggage
With the return of Therapist Blokey and Crazy Rapping Inmate Blokey, this feels almost like a sequel to the season opener. Which is so long ago now it feels like it was last season to me. Talking of which, season finale next week.
Luther
1x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Monday, 17 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x17 The Garden of Forking Paths
This episode was on a few weeks back, but it's quite funny to watch it having just heard about FlashForward's cancellation: it contains the first obvious hints at the producers' seven-year plan, with the revelation that "The End" (of the world, presumably) will occur in December 2016. Something we'll now definitely never see. But hey-ho, we don't have to sit through the 132(ish) episodes it would take to get there.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
You Have Been Watching
2x05 Best of the Bastards
(If the attentive among you are wondering where episode four got to, it was the election night special. You can watch it, by itself, on 4oD.)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
1x17 The Garden of Forking Paths
This episode was on a few weeks back, but it's quite funny to watch it having just heard about FlashForward's cancellation: it contains the first obvious hints at the producers' seven-year plan, with the revelation that "The End" (of the world, presumably) will occur in December 2016. Something we'll now definitely never see. But hey-ho, we don't have to sit through the 132(ish) episodes it would take to get there.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
You Have Been Watching
2x05 Best of the Bastards
(If the attentive among you are wondering where episode four got to, it was the election night special. You can watch it, by itself, on 4oD.)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Spoofing the big film blockbusters by Fiona Pryor
(from BBC News)
Heard of 'mockbusters'? Whether your answer's yes or no, this interview with their creators is worth a read.
Why New Zealand is a lifestyle superpower by Nick Bryant
(from From Our Own Correspondent at BBC News)
New Zealand always sounds so nice.
(from BBC News)
Heard of 'mockbusters'? Whether your answer's yes or no, this interview with their creators is worth a read.
Why New Zealand is a lifestyle superpower by Nick Bryant
(from From Our Own Correspondent at BBC News)
New Zealand always sounds so nice.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
TV
Over the Rainbow
Show 9: Results
This is the semi-final, incidentally. S'all over next week. Just in time for Eurovision.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Show 9: Results
This is the semi-final, incidentally. S'all over next week. Just in time for Eurovision.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
[#47 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Enjoyed this more than the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe film. Worth expecting good things for the future adaptations then, I feel.
Righteous Kill (2008)
[#46 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Read the 100 Films review here.
[#47 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Enjoyed this more than the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe film. Worth expecting good things for the future adaptations then, I feel.
Righteous Kill (2008)
[#46 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Read the 100 Films review here.
Articles
Why I Steal Movies… Even Ones I'm In by Peter Serafinowicz
(from Gizmodo)
The "writer/producer/director/actor/musician/comedian/voice model" offers some interesting thoughts on Internet piracy and how businesses still need to change to cope with it. And it's much less dry, and much more amusing, than that makes it sound.
(from Gizmodo)
The "writer/producer/director/actor/musician/comedian/voice model" offers some interesting thoughts on Internet piracy and how businesses still need to change to cope with it. And it's much less dry, and much more amusing, than that makes it sound.
this week on 100 Films
4 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Death Wish (1974)
The September Issue (2009)
Speed Racer (2008)
Titanic (1997)
More next Sunday.
Death Wish (1974)
realism permeates: Paul’s encounters aren’t all easily won; he gets injured; his crimes create a media storm, on which public opinion is divided; he never conveniently come across the attackers of his wife and kids... There are unrealistic bits, but by employing enough believability it manages to rise a little above the “heroic vigilante” sub-genre.
The September Issue (2009)
I don’t really care about fashion, which means I really don’t care about Fashion — i.e. the world inhabited by Vogue and its American edition’s infamous editor, Anna Wintour... But The September Issue, as it turns out, is surprisingly enjoyable. Is it illuminating? I’m not sure
Speed Racer (2008)
it’s visually astounding. Speed Racer’s blocks of vibrant colour and computer whizzery are a natural fit for the modern digital experience. Action sequences are mind-meltingly fast, but also incredibly thrilling.
Titanic (1997)
it feels like the entire film following the iceberg’s arrival is in real-time, which would make the length excusable — I do like real-time — were it not for Cameron padding it out with endless contrivances to have Jack and Rose running around the ship.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
TV
Doctor Who
31x07 Amy's Choice
As much as I love Who, I think it's fair to say that most plots (particularly in nuWho) are variations on a theme: aliens try to do something to/invade humans, the Doctor stops them. A lot of TV's just as formulaic, in its own style, so this isn't a criticism. But Who has literally endless potential, so it's always nice to see an episode that does something outside the norm -- like this one.
Another excellent episode in what's becoming a series of them, then. Will this wind up a classic year? Quite possibly, though I rarely tend to think of Who by season (instead, by story, which is probably a remnant from the pre-nuWho days -- classic Who is still released/considered by story, after all).
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x07 Arthurian Legend
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x06 (13/5/10; extended repeat)
An exceptionally good edition, with particularly choice insults to journalists. Hurrah!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x13 Redline
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 9
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
31x07 Amy's Choice
As much as I love Who, I think it's fair to say that most plots (particularly in nuWho) are variations on a theme: aliens try to do something to/invade humans, the Doctor stops them. A lot of TV's just as formulaic, in its own style, so this isn't a criticism. But Who has literally endless potential, so it's always nice to see an episode that does something outside the norm -- like this one.
Another excellent episode in what's becoming a series of them, then. Will this wind up a classic year? Quite possibly, though I rarely tend to think of Who by season (instead, by story, which is probably a remnant from the pre-nuWho days -- classic Who is still released/considered by story, after all).
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x07 Arthurian Legend
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x06 (13/5/10; extended repeat)
An exceptionally good edition, with particularly choice insults to journalists. Hurrah!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x13 Redline
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 9
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Sherlock Holmes (2010)
[#45 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
'Mockbuster' from The Asylum to tie in with Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. But this one features dinosaurs. Seriously. Well, a dinosaur.
Also, Gareth David-Lloyd from Torchwood and Dominic Keating from Star Trek: Enterprise. "How the mighty..." and all that.
[#45 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
'Mockbuster' from The Asylum to tie in with Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. But this one features dinosaurs. Seriously. Well, a dinosaur.
Also, Gareth David-Lloyd from Torchwood and Dominic Keating from Star Trek: Enterprise. "How the mighty..." and all that.
Articles
NBC Plans Finale For Heroes? by Nikke Finke
(from Deadline Hollywood)
After yesterday's news that it'd been cancelled, it looks like the show may be granted a 2- or 4-hour special to wrap up. Which is probably nice for fans.
In other news, FlashForward got cancelled. Can't say I'm surprised or upset. I'm sticking with it to find out what it was all about, but I'm glad I won't have to for another year or six.
(from Deadline Hollywood)
After yesterday's news that it'd been cancelled, it looks like the show may be granted a 2- or 4-hour special to wrap up. Which is probably nice for fans.
In other news, FlashForward got cancelled. Can't say I'm surprised or upset. I'm sticking with it to find out what it was all about, but I'm glad I won't have to for another year or six.
Friday, 14 May 2010
TV
Ashes to Ashes
3x06 Episode 6
It's all coming together now... Which is quite good, really, as there are only two episodes left ever. Ever. Sad times.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Derren Brown Investigates
1x01 The Man Who Contacts the Dead
Verdict: fake.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x15 (7/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
3x05 Programme 5
Is there anyone who still doesn't watch Outnumbered? I presume there must be. Fools. This was a particularly satisfying one, with Karen cutting right through a sleazy American psychotherapist.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x06 Episode 6
It's all coming together now... Which is quite good, really, as there are only two episodes left ever. Ever. Sad times.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Derren Brown Investigates
1x01 The Man Who Contacts the Dead
Verdict: fake.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x15 (7/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
3x05 Programme 5
Is there anyone who still doesn't watch Outnumbered? I presume there must be. Fools. This was a particularly satisfying one, with Karen cutting right through a sleazy American psychotherapist.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
NBC confirms Heroes axe by Neil Wilkes
(from Digital Spy)
All the article says at time of writing is "Heroes has been axed after four seasons, NBC has confirmed. More to follow." It may well have by the time you read this.
But what it means, basically, is no fifth year to wrap it all up, not even a short one; and it's all thanks to steadily dropping ratings, which was in turn thanks to steadily dropping quality. How the might have fallen, eh -- remember when this was the biggest show on TV, talked about worldwide and set to have a summer spin-off directed by Big Name Movie Directors? Still, we'll always have season one.
(from Digital Spy)
All the article says at time of writing is "Heroes has been axed after four seasons, NBC has confirmed. More to follow." It may well have by the time you read this.
But what it means, basically, is no fifth year to wrap it all up, not even a short one; and it's all thanks to steadily dropping ratings, which was in turn thanks to steadily dropping quality. How the might have fallen, eh -- remember when this was the biggest show on TV, talked about worldwide and set to have a summer spin-off directed by Big Name Movie Directors? Still, we'll always have season one.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
This week, my Lord of the Rings theatrical edition DVDs were upgraded to their recent Blu-ray counterparts -- mmm, pretty. I was intending to wait for the Extended Edition upgrade, but as that's likely several years away this is a most welcome birthday present (yes, the pill is sweetened by not actually having to pay for them). This means some number fiddling (switching from three DVDs to a single Blu-ray box set), compounded by an inexplicable error in my number of films total (now corrected).
Number of titles in collection: 1,171 [down 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,087 [down 3]
Of which Blu-rays: 84 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,841 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,237 [up 8]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Running time of The Lord of the Rings DVDs/BDs:
98 hours, 39 minutes, and 39 seconds.
In honour of this week's biggest acquisition, I wondered just how much content there was on the new Lord of the Rings Blu-rays, plus the (in)famously stacked Special Extended DVD Editions. For the sake of clarity, these are the R2/UK Extended Editions and Region B/UK BDs -- so in both instances the US releases are even longer (thanks to PAL speed-up on the DVDs and a missing extra or two on the Blu-rays).
To break down that mass: 9 hours 19 minutes is the running time of the theatrical editions; 11 hours 37 minutes for the extended editions. Despite being criticised for a lack of extras, the theatrical editions boast 7 hours 41 minutes of special features. Of course, that's as nothing to the extended editions: they contain 46 hours 27 minutes of audio commentaries followed by 22 hours 21 minutes of documentaries and other extras. And that's not to mention the extensive image galleries, some with additional audio commentary. Rounding it out are the two bonus discs that came in gift boxes with Two Towers and Return of the King, an additional 1 hour 14 minutes.
And that's probably more detail than you wanted... though I have a lot more...
See you next week, faithful reader.
This week, my Lord of the Rings theatrical edition DVDs were upgraded to their recent Blu-ray counterparts -- mmm, pretty. I was intending to wait for the Extended Edition upgrade, but as that's likely several years away this is a most welcome birthday present (yes, the pill is sweetened by not actually having to pay for them). This means some number fiddling (switching from three DVDs to a single Blu-ray box set), compounded by an inexplicable error in my number of films total (now corrected).
Number of titles in collection: 1,171 [down 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,087 [down 3]
Of which Blu-rays: 84 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,841 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,237 [up 8]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Running time of The Lord of the Rings DVDs/BDs:
98 hours, 39 minutes, and 39 seconds.
In honour of this week's biggest acquisition, I wondered just how much content there was on the new Lord of the Rings Blu-rays, plus the (in)famously stacked Special Extended DVD Editions. For the sake of clarity, these are the R2/UK Extended Editions and Region B/UK BDs -- so in both instances the US releases are even longer (thanks to PAL speed-up on the DVDs and a missing extra or two on the Blu-rays).
To break down that mass: 9 hours 19 minutes is the running time of the theatrical editions; 11 hours 37 minutes for the extended editions. Despite being criticised for a lack of extras, the theatrical editions boast 7 hours 41 minutes of special features. Of course, that's as nothing to the extended editions: they contain 46 hours 27 minutes of audio commentaries followed by 22 hours 21 minutes of documentaries and other extras. And that's not to mention the extensive image galleries, some with additional audio commentary. Rounding it out are the two bonus discs that came in gift boxes with Two Towers and Return of the King, an additional 1 hour 14 minutes.
And that's probably more detail than you wanted... though I have a lot more...
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
TV
Luther
1x01 Episode 1
Intriguing, complex new detective drama, with fantastic lead performances. It's worth watching for Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson alone. Also, surprising amount of stuff on the website.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Queen
Part 3 The Rivals
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
1x01 Episode 1
Intriguing, complex new detective drama, with fantastic lead performances. It's worth watching for Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson alone. Also, surprising amount of stuff on the website.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Queen
Part 3 The Rivals
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
TV
The Graham Norton Show
7x05 (10/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x07 (6/5/10 edition; extended repeat)
This is so clearly pre-election, it's a little weird watching it on the day everything is finally settled. Also, last of the series (though there's some best bitsnext this week.
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x03 Kuriren (aka The Courier)
7x05 (10/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x07 (6/5/10 edition; extended repeat)
This is so clearly pre-election, it's a little weird watching it on the day everything is finally settled. Also, last of the series (though there's some best bits
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x03 Kuriren (aka The Courier)
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
TV
The Mentalist
2x12 Bleeding Heart
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Outnumbered
3x04 Programme 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Also plenty of live BBC News (which I still call News 24, personally) this evening, for reasons that should hopefully be obvious.
2x12 Bleeding Heart
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Outnumbered
3x04 Programme 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Also plenty of live BBC News (which I still call News 24, personally) this evening, for reasons that should hopefully be obvious.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Articles
The James Bond Elephant
(from IanFleming.com)
It feels like there should be a pile of puns for this, but I just can't think of any...
(from IanFleming.com)
It feels like there should be a pile of puns for this, but I just can't think of any...
Sunday, 9 May 2010
TV
Have I Got News For You
39x05 Have I Got Election News For You (extended repeat)
Was expecting a pre-election Thursday night show; rather surprised to find they'd rescheduled at some point post-Radio Times. Probably a good idea; it certainly made for an excellent edition.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 8: Results
Watch this moment here.
[Watch the whole episode (again) on iPlayer.]
39x05 Have I Got Election News For You (extended repeat)
Was expecting a pre-election Thursday night show; rather surprised to find they'd rescheduled at some point post-Radio Times. Probably a good idea; it certainly made for an excellent edition.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 8: Results
[Watch the whole episode (again) on iPlayer.]
this week on 100 Films
Just 1 new review were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
In honour of Star Wars Day 2010.
More next Sunday.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
In honour of Star Wars Day 2010.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
TV
Doctor Who
31x06 The Vampires of Venice
That was brilliant fun! So glad to see a three-person TARDIS team again -- considering that for much of the classic series there were two or even three companions, I've always looked forward to the new series giving it a go. Sure, we had Adam... for two episodes; and Jack... for three; and then Mickey... for four; but it was never quite permanent, was it? Hopefully Rory can manage at least five. I'm not convinced.
Also, I'm glad it was called The Vampires of Venice. Only a little thing, but that definitive just adds something, I feel.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x06 Death in Venice
Presumably we'll be back to Confidential Cut-Downs on the DVDs now (after getting full-length ones for all the specials), which is a shame. Take an episode like this, for example: there's a lot of different stuff going on, so what do you cut? Do you lose all the behind-the-scenes bits? Seems wrong when Confidential stands as the DVDs' "making of" documentaries, and this episode had a few different things to share beyond the usual "this is how CGI works" stuff. So do you lose all the stuff about the real Venice instead? But that was interesting and different too, so it'd also be a shame to lose.
Or do you just think "sod it, no one watches extras any more anyway" and bung on whichever segment is conveniently 15 minutes long? Probably that one, eh.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 8
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
31x06 The Vampires of Venice
That was brilliant fun! So glad to see a three-person TARDIS team again -- considering that for much of the classic series there were two or even three companions, I've always looked forward to the new series giving it a go. Sure, we had Adam... for two episodes; and Jack... for three; and then Mickey... for four; but it was never quite permanent, was it? Hopefully Rory can manage at least five. I'm not convinced.
Also, I'm glad it was called The Vampires of Venice. Only a little thing, but that definitive just adds something, I feel.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x06 Death in Venice
Presumably we'll be back to Confidential Cut-Downs on the DVDs now (after getting full-length ones for all the specials), which is a shame. Take an episode like this, for example: there's a lot of different stuff going on, so what do you cut? Do you lose all the behind-the-scenes bits? Seems wrong when Confidential stands as the DVDs' "making of" documentaries, and this episode had a few different things to share beyond the usual "this is how CGI works" stuff. So do you lose all the stuff about the real Venice instead? But that was interesting and different too, so it'd also be a shame to lose.
Or do you just think "sod it, no one watches extras any more anyway" and bung on whichever segment is conveniently 15 minutes long? Probably that one, eh.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 8
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
More slight changes again this week, plus the monthly running time update.
Number of titles in collection: 1,172 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,090 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 82 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,840 [up 2]
Number of films in collection: 1,229 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
197 days, 7 hours, and 13 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 6 hours, and 23 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
More slight changes again this week, plus the monthly running time update.
Number of titles in collection: 1,172 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,090 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 82 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,840 [up 2]
Number of films in collection: 1,229 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
197 days, 7 hours, and 13 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 6 hours, and 23 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 7 May 2010
TV
Ashes to Ashes
3x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Election 2010
Watched quite a lot of the BBC's election coverage in the end -- from after the C4 thing til around 6am, and then on-and-off from 10am til it finally ended at almost 4pm today. Much of it can now be found on iPlayer, with more coming soon, should you wish to re-live it for any reason.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x14 (30/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
3x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Election 2010
Watched quite a lot of the BBC's election coverage in the end -- from after the C4 thing til around 6am, and then on-and-off from 10am til it finally ended at almost 4pm today. Much of it can now be found on iPlayer, with more coming soon, should you wish to re-live it for any reason.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x14 (30/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 6 May 2010
TV
Channel 4's Alternative Election Night
Brilliant -- funny and informed. Only flaw was it stopped just after 1am. Next time, all night please, C4.
FlashForward
1x16 Let No Man Put Asunder
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Brilliant -- funny and informed. Only flaw was it stopped just after 1am. Next time, all night please, C4.
FlashForward
1x16 Let No Man Put Asunder
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
DVD sales slump in wake of Zavvi and Woolworths collapse by Richard Wray
(from guardian.co.uk)
Though, based on the article, that's not really the reason for the slump -- it's general recession-mindedness.
(from guardian.co.uk)
Though, based on the article, that's not really the reason for the slump -- it's general recession-mindedness.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x15 Queen Sacrifice
FlashForward is definitely improving. It's fixed one of it's biggest flaws: previously, every episode just meandered on a bit with the series arc. Now, it offers up a self-contained story per episode that feeds into the overall story, as well as continuing it. This is what other arc-centric shows like 24 and Lost have always done, even when their on going plot has been the focus for most viewers, so it's good to see FF finally realise this.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x04 (3/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x15 Queen Sacrifice
FlashForward is definitely improving. It's fixed one of it's biggest flaws: previously, every episode just meandered on a bit with the series arc. Now, it offers up a self-contained story per episode that feeds into the overall story, as well as continuing it. This is what other arc-centric shows like 24 and Lost have always done, even when their on going plot has been the focus for most viewers, so it's good to see FF finally realise this.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x04 (3/5/10 edition)
Articles
BBC receives complaints over sexy Who by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
Said so.
CLiNT Magazine – Mark Millar’s New Monthly Anthology Includes Kick Ass Sequel by Rich Johnston
(from Bleeding Cool)
Somehow missed this yesterday, but it sounds like excellent news. Just need to read the original Kick-Ass before it comes out...
Download the full press releases from here and follow @CLiNTmag for updates.
(from Digital Spy)
Said so.
CLiNT Magazine – Mark Millar’s New Monthly Anthology Includes Kick Ass Sequel by Rich Johnston
(from Bleeding Cool)
Somehow missed this yesterday, but it sounds like excellent news. Just need to read the original Kick-Ass before it comes out...
Download the full press releases from here and follow @CLiNTmag for updates.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x14 Better Angels
FlashForward in almost-a-good-episode shocker! (Maybe the "almost" is a tad unfair. But the Benfords do grate rather.)
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
1x14 Better Angels
FlashForward in almost-a-good-episode shocker! (Maybe the "almost" is a tad unfair. But the Benfords do grate rather.)
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
Not even Bruckheimer movies can escape budget cuts by Claudia Eller & Dawn C. Chmielewski
(from the Los Angeles Times)
In short, "The next Pirates of the Caribbean will have a tighter filming schedule, cheaper locations and fewer visual effects shots." At first I thought this was probably a good thing -- the excess of the last one certainly needed reigning in -- but some of what's being cut (as described in the article) is a shame. I always like a good fair on a frozen Thames.
Terry Pratchett vs Who by Terry Pratchett
(from SFX)
I'll just cull my thoughts on this from what I posted on twitter:
Yes, the screwdriver. Not the bloody Sonic. God, I hate new fans sometimes.
Why Metropolis will be this year's real summer blockbuster by Danny Leigh
(from Film Blog at guardian.co.uk)
As I expressed yesterday, the new Metropolis does indeed look stunning and I can't wait. This article is a tad naively optimistic, however, about its chances with a modern audience. Still, bless 'im for the optimism.
(from the Los Angeles Times)
In short, "The next Pirates of the Caribbean will have a tighter filming schedule, cheaper locations and fewer visual effects shots." At first I thought this was probably a good thing -- the excess of the last one certainly needed reigning in -- but some of what's being cut (as described in the article) is a shame. I always like a good fair on a frozen Thames.
Terry Pratchett vs Who by Terry Pratchett
(from SFX)
I'll just cull my thoughts on this from what I posted on twitter:
Terry Pratchett's criticisms of Doctor Who are mixed bag: technically right, but that's why he's sort-of wrong. But I agree it's not sci-fi.
Thing is, most stories are woefully predictable these days because we can all see the narrative seeding going on. This is why the RTD era used near-deus ex machina elements quite often. It kept it surprising, for one thing. But, notably, Moffat's era thus far hasn't. What it has done, actually, is 'the right thing': produce unforeseen solutions from elements already placed. Perfect example: Flesh and Stone, using gravity + the crack to destroy the Angels and seal the crack.
As for the sci-fi thing... Who is (and, really, always has been) fantasy. So is Star Wars. Because they use technology they look like science-fiction, but the stories, ideas, concepts are fantastical, not grounded like (say) Star Trek.
He also says the Doctor is resembling God, "there is nothing he doesn't know and nothing he can't do". This is also true: the Doctor never really investigates places of late, he just shows them to his companions. So his having to read a book on the Angels marks a step in right direction. He needs to know lots, but not everything.
And the screwdriver needs to be bit less capable.
Yes, the screwdriver. Not the bloody Sonic. God, I hate new fans sometimes.
Why Metropolis will be this year's real summer blockbuster by Danny Leigh
(from Film Blog at guardian.co.uk)
As I expressed yesterday, the new Metropolis does indeed look stunning and I can't wait. This article is a tad naively optimistic, however, about its chances with a modern audience. Still, bless 'im for the optimism.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Films
Burn After Reading (2008)
[#42 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Inkheart (2008)
[#43 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
[#42 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Inkheart (2008)
[#43 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Websites
metropolis1927.com
Being the website for the forthcoming UK theatrical & DVD/Blu-ray release of the newly restored & 'complete' Metropolis (other websites exist for US and international releases). Over here it's being managed by Eureka/Masters of Cinema, which is of course marvellous.
The website was a placeholder until recently, but now has lots of information on the film, restoration, theatrical release and the first details of the DVD/BD -- and it sounds brilliant. And it has a gorgeous cover.
I don't know if I'll be able to make it to a cinema screening (but we'll see), but I definitely can't wait to get my hands on the Blu-ray.
Being the website for the forthcoming UK theatrical & DVD/Blu-ray release of the newly restored & 'complete' Metropolis (other websites exist for US and international releases). Over here it's being managed by Eureka/Masters of Cinema, which is of course marvellous.
The website was a placeholder until recently, but now has lots of information on the film, restoration, theatrical release and the first details of the DVD/BD -- and it sounds brilliant. And it has a gorgeous cover.
I don't know if I'll be able to make it to a cinema screening (but we'll see), but I definitely can't wait to get my hands on the Blu-ray.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
TV
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x08 (1/5/10 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 7: Results
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x06 (29/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x02 Skulden (aka The Guilt)
3x08 (1/5/10 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 7: Results
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x06 (29/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x02 Skulden (aka The Guilt)
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews again on 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone. (2007/2009)
The Illusionist (2006)
More next Sunday.
Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone. (2007/2009)
You Are (Not) Alone works satisfyingly as a film. Arguably it has a slightly unusual narrative structure or slightly unsophisticated animation, but it works much better than you’d expect from six TV episodes stuck together.
The Illusionist (2006)
The story itself — you remember those? It’s the bit between the attention-grabbing opening and preposterous-twist finale — is mediocre. It’s a something-and-nothing account of a Poor Boy who loves a Rich Girl he can’t have and… oh, I can’t even be bothered to explain it.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
TV
Doctor Who
31x05 Flesh and Stone
Well, that was excellent. It seems knee-jerk to say so soon after it's aired, but I can well see that shooting to the top of Best Story Ever lists. It deserves to, anyway. Though I reckon that final bedroom scene is going to get complaints...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x05 Blinded by the Light
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x11 Rose-Colored Glasses
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 7
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
2x03 (29/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
31x05 Flesh and Stone
Well, that was excellent. It seems knee-jerk to say so soon after it's aired, but I can well see that shooting to the top of Best Story Ever lists. It deserves to, anyway. Though I reckon that final bedroom scene is going to get complaints...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x05 Blinded by the Light
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x11 Rose-Colored Glasses
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 7
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
2x03 (29/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Don't be persuaded to vote tactically by Laura Newton
(from this is exeter.co.uk)
(from this is exeter.co.uk)
For too long Labour and the Conservatives have relied on persuading voters to vote tactically in Exeter as if voting for the lesser of two evils, in some kind of mythical 'two horse race'. I am delighted that people are really waking up to this age-old political manipulation and actually voting for the party they instinctively support the most (no matter who that may be).
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