Outnumbered
2x01 Episode 1
The first series of Outnumbered was one of the Best Things Ever and, thankfully, series two has set off at the same level of quality.
Spooks
7x04 A Chance for Peace
While I'm watching this series of Spooks at around the same time it's broadcast, I've only seen episodes on iPlayer so far -- meaning I've still not watched an episode of Spooks on first broadcast since 1x02, way back in May 2002! (I've spent the last year catching up on DVD.) And as it's technically shown first on BBC Three, and I'm watching at BBC One pace... well, there's always 8x01 (probably)...
Stephen Fry in America
Part 6 Pacific [series finale]
Top Gear
12x03 (16/11/08 edition)
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Articles
5 Reasons To Skip Quantum Of Solace by Josh Tyler
(from Cinema Blend)
Like Quantum of Solace or not, these are five really bad arguments why it's really bad. Unintentionally very amusing.
Elisabeth Sladen (The Sarah Jane Adventures) Interview by Will Martin
(from Last Broadcast)
Among other Sarah Jane factoids, Ms Sladen reveals this snippet: "The joy now is doing the DVD commentaries, although unfortunately I’m not anymore due to contractual reasons with 2entertain, we couldn’t come to an agreement." Oh dear.
(from Cinema Blend)
Like Quantum of Solace or not, these are five really bad arguments why it's really bad. Unintentionally very amusing.
Elisabeth Sladen (The Sarah Jane Adventures) Interview by Will Martin
(from Last Broadcast)
Among other Sarah Jane factoids, Ms Sladen reveals this snippet: "The joy now is doing the DVD commentaries, although unfortunately I’m not anymore due to contractual reasons with 2entertain, we couldn’t come to an agreement." Oh dear.
Bond from the Beginning #3: Goldfinger
The archetypal Bond film, and it's easy to see why: the unrelated pre-titles, the credits, the song, the girls, their names, the villains, the locations, the gadgets, the Q scene (actually not repeated similarly for at least 17 years), the score, the ultimately unfeasible plan... It doesn't have everything (see earlier for the poor puns, see later for the volcano bases and cat-stroking baldies), but it has enough that no Bond-summarising article can be written without noting its significance.
Personally, I've never fallen as deeply for Goldfinger as others have; it doesn't have the grit of From Russia With Love and it doesn't meet the ridiculous excess of You Only Live Twice. I find it to be less than the sum of its parts; but those parts are mostly so excellent that its still a greatly entertaining film, and, I'm sure, not undeserving of the adulation lavished upon it by so many.
Personally, I've never fallen as deeply for Goldfinger as others have; it doesn't have the grit of From Russia With Love and it doesn't meet the ridiculous excess of You Only Live Twice. I find it to be less than the sum of its parts; but those parts are mostly so excellent that its still a greatly entertaining film, and, I'm sure, not undeserving of the adulation lavished upon it by so many.
post... on a Sunday?
Today is Sunday. Post is not delivered on a Sunday. That's just The Way Of The World.
But today, I got post. Today. Sunday. Sunday! And this from the same postal service I've had to complain to several times for delivering my post to the wrong address.
So, I'm not complaining -- especially as the delivery brought me my 900th DVD (more on that later) -- but I am rather surprised.
I mean... it's Sunday!
But today, I got post. Today. Sunday. Sunday! And this from the same postal service I've had to complain to several times for delivering my post to the wrong address.
So, I'm not complaining -- especially as the delivery brought me my 900th DVD (more on that later) -- but I am rather surprised.
I mean... it's Sunday!
Bond from the Beginning #6: On Her Majesty's Secret Service
I used to proudly lay my allegiance with the fans who believe OHMSS is an underrated classic; now I'm not so sure, though I wouldn't say it's among the worst -- all told, it's a mixed bag.
The first third is an unusual (for Bond) love story, which unfortunately seems quite hollow after Casino Royale did the same thing so brilliantly. Finally the actual 'Bond film' gets underway, complete with proper spying... and a ridiculous kilt-based outfit. The final third holds all the action sequences: crammed into 40 minutes there's two ski chases, a toboggan chase, a car chase, a helicopter raid, a large gunfight and an avalanche; the latter is especially well realised. This unbalanced structure undoubtedly helps unbalance some fans' view of the film.
Elsewhere there's an effort to remind us this is the same series: the titles are full of clips from the previous films and there are numerous other references. While the reasoning behind them at the time is clear, we're now familiar with Bond's changing face and they're just intrusive. As the new Bond, Lazenby is certainly no Connery, but he could be worse. His performance helps sell the final scene, which is still incredibly sad (indeed, while Casino Royale's romance plot may be more convincing overall, the death scene isn't a patch on this).
The direction is largely fantastic (though there are some dire sped-up shots) and the score is perfect; the instrumental main theme is probably my favourite ever.
There's still a lot to be said about OHMSS, but my opinion (for now) is that it's neither as bad nor as great as most of fandom would claim.
The first third is an unusual (for Bond) love story, which unfortunately seems quite hollow after Casino Royale did the same thing so brilliantly. Finally the actual 'Bond film' gets underway, complete with proper spying... and a ridiculous kilt-based outfit. The final third holds all the action sequences: crammed into 40 minutes there's two ski chases, a toboggan chase, a car chase, a helicopter raid, a large gunfight and an avalanche; the latter is especially well realised. This unbalanced structure undoubtedly helps unbalance some fans' view of the film.
Elsewhere there's an effort to remind us this is the same series: the titles are full of clips from the previous films and there are numerous other references. While the reasoning behind them at the time is clear, we're now familiar with Bond's changing face and they're just intrusive. As the new Bond, Lazenby is certainly no Connery, but he could be worse. His performance helps sell the final scene, which is still incredibly sad (indeed, while Casino Royale's romance plot may be more convincing overall, the death scene isn't a patch on this).
The direction is largely fantastic (though there are some dire sped-up shots) and the score is perfect; the instrumental main theme is probably my favourite ever.
There's still a lot to be said about OHMSS, but my opinion (for now) is that it's neither as bad nor as great as most of fandom would claim.
Saturday, 15 November 2008
TV
8 Out of 10 Cats
7x11 (13/11/08 edition)
Merlin
1x09 Excalibur
Russell Brand's Ponderland
2x03 Education
We Are Most Amused
Comedy show for Prince Charles' 60th birthday. Split in half (or two-thirds and third, to be accurate) for no reason other than bunging The X-Factor in the middle. Bloody load of rubbish, that is. Though, if one's being generous, the split could be seen as a way to keep the adults-only material separate from kiddy-friendly stuff.
7x11 (13/11/08 edition)
Merlin
1x09 Excalibur
Russell Brand's Ponderland
2x03 Education
We Are Most Amused
Comedy show for Prince Charles' 60th birthday. Split in half (or two-thirds and third, to be accurate) for no reason other than bunging The X-Factor in the middle. Bloody load of rubbish, that is. Though, if one's being generous, the split could be seen as a way to keep the adults-only material separate from kiddy-friendly stuff.
Films
Fist of Legend (1994)
[#77 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
I hadn't intended to watch this, but wound up getting sucked into it after Children in Need. Apparently it's "regarded as one of the best martial arts films of all time, and almost universally viewed as Jet Li's best" (source: Wikipedia), but the dire English dub does its best to hide this. The fights are still good though.
Star Trek Trailer
This trailer isn't officially released online 'til Monday, but as it's attached to a certain major release that's just come out in the States there're some surprisingly good bootlegs online already. Like this one, for example. Hard to judge properly without being able to see it properly (though the quality's probably better than you expect), but, as someone who's not much of a Star Trek fan anyway, I remain unconvinced. But it looks like Simon Pegg will be good at least.
[#77 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
I hadn't intended to watch this, but wound up getting sucked into it after Children in Need. Apparently it's "regarded as one of the best martial arts films of all time, and almost universally viewed as Jet Li's best" (source: Wikipedia), but the dire English dub does its best to hide this. The fights are still good though.
Star Trek Trailer
This trailer isn't officially released online 'til Monday, but as it's attached to a certain major release that's just come out in the States there're some surprisingly good bootlegs online already. Like this one, for example. Hard to judge properly without being able to see it properly (though the quality's probably better than you expect), but, as someone who's not much of a Star Trek fan anyway, I remain unconvinced. But it looks like Simon Pegg will be good at least.
Music
Hold Your Colour by Pendulum
and
In Silico by Pendulum
Having heard their great cover of Coldplay's Violet Hill on Radio 1's Live Lounge Volume 3 (the original version, incidentally, is comparatively mediocre -- just as I'd expect of Coldplay), I somewhat eagerly acquired Pendulum's two albums... only to discover they're rather dance-y and mostly not my sort of thing at all.
The more recent In Silico (trivia: the title was chosen as a riff on Nirvana's In Utero) is the better of the two. I only made it a third of the way through Hold Your Colour before giving up, while the other at least has a few decent tracks: Propane Nightmares, The Tempest, Mutiny, and perhaps Granite and 9,000 Miles.
This is probably because -- according to Wikipedia -- "[In Silico] represents a change in sound from the band's debut album Hold Your Colour, away from drum and bass, incorporating more rock and electronic influences." I suspect these are incorporated in a way that makes it seem a huge change to drum & bass fans, whereas to rock or electronic fans it just sounds like an above-averagely-pleasing selection of drum & bass tracks.
and
In Silico by Pendulum
Having heard their great cover of Coldplay's Violet Hill on Radio 1's Live Lounge Volume 3 (the original version, incidentally, is comparatively mediocre -- just as I'd expect of Coldplay), I somewhat eagerly acquired Pendulum's two albums... only to discover they're rather dance-y and mostly not my sort of thing at all.
The more recent In Silico (trivia: the title was chosen as a riff on Nirvana's In Utero) is the better of the two. I only made it a third of the way through Hold Your Colour before giving up, while the other at least has a few decent tracks: Propane Nightmares, The Tempest, Mutiny, and perhaps Granite and 9,000 Miles.
This is probably because -- according to Wikipedia -- "[In Silico] represents a change in sound from the band's debut album Hold Your Colour, away from drum and bass, incorporating more rock and electronic influences." I suspect these are incorporated in a way that makes it seem a huge change to drum & bass fans, whereas to rock or electronic fans it just sounds like an above-averagely-pleasing selection of drum & bass tracks.
Articles
AMPAS Rejects Dark Knight Score
(from Studio Briefing)
"an uproar has now followed the decision of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science's decision to disqualify the score of The Dark Knight because credited composers James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer were unable to establish that they were directly responsible for more than 70% of the music... The two had listed three others as composers on the official cue sheet... in order to qualify them for royalties. The Academy's music committee reportedly spent hours debating the issue, with several members arguing unsuccessfully that the score merited nomination notwithstanding the cue-sheet issue."
Quantum of Solace US Opening Day Haul Estimated At $27 Million by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
"The numbers are yet to be confirmed, but it’s clear that 007 convincingly beat off competition from Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa ($8.1 million) and Role Models ($3.76 million). At $27 million, Quantum of Solace would have the 26th highest US opening day ever. The only 2008 release to top this opening would be The Dark Knight [obviously]... $27 million would place it above other 2008 big-hitters Sex And The City and Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. It would also place it above [frequent film of comparison] The Bourne Ultimatum." The last Bond film, Casino Royale, had an opening day of $14.7 million -- nearly half QoS's. It leaves the new release "on track to a weekend haul of approximately $70 million" -- the franchise's opening weekend record is held by Die Another Day at $47.1 million.
The Showdown: Wall-E Vs. Batman
(from Studio Briefing)
"While many industry observers are predicting that The Dark Knight on DVD will become the year's biggest video hit, a few others suggest that Disney/Pixar's Wall-E [sic] should not be overlooked. They point out that animated features have a long history of dominance in home-video sales and that Wall-e [sic] is one of the few that holds as much appeal for adults as it does for children. Meanwhile, websites that focus on high-definition fare have unanimously endorsed the Blu-ray version of Wall-e as the HD gold standard."
The thick Sharpe's Peril and why Jonathan Ross and Brand should stay by AA Gill
(from Times Online)
Belated commentary on the Ross/Brand/Sachs thing (I'm not even going to bother linking back to it any more), but, as regular readers know, I love this position on it -- especially as it has added Piers Morgan-slating, which is always welcome. Also, eventually, Gill gets round to his point -- slating the latest Sharpe. He's mostly wrong about that though.
"We will take some more risks and shake things up a little bit more." by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
The great thing about fansites is that they often summarise interviews and articles from other sites, so you just get what's new or interesting instead of having to trawl through all the same old publicity fluff. Here, the best bits are comments from producer Barbara Broccoli: "In Casino Royale, the book, there was no Moneypenny or Q so that is why they are not in that story. And, in this follow-up, there didn’t seem to be a reason or a place for them. That doesn’t mean that they won’t appear later on. We made a decision to strip everything away. Some things will come back, some things won’t. Some things will come back in a different way. We will take some more risks and shake things up a little bit more and hope audiences are with us." Sensible, I think.
Also: "Hopefully at the end of Quantum of Solace, we have this ‘whole’ character [for Bond]. And now we can do what we want. I think in some way, he will go after the organisation [Quantum]. So in that sense, it may become a trilogy, but we haven’t really structured it that way." Super. And what else will be back? "I don’t want [Judi Dench] to leave. She keeps threatening to leave but I will not let her!" Good girl. Anything further? Gadgets, apparently! "The trouble is, everyone has gadgets. We will need to come up with a few that have not been invented by the Sony Corp!" Good luck!
(from Studio Briefing)
"an uproar has now followed the decision of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science's decision to disqualify the score of The Dark Knight because credited composers James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer were unable to establish that they were directly responsible for more than 70% of the music... The two had listed three others as composers on the official cue sheet... in order to qualify them for royalties. The Academy's music committee reportedly spent hours debating the issue, with several members arguing unsuccessfully that the score merited nomination notwithstanding the cue-sheet issue."
Quantum of Solace US Opening Day Haul Estimated At $27 Million by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
"The numbers are yet to be confirmed, but it’s clear that 007 convincingly beat off competition from Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa ($8.1 million) and Role Models ($3.76 million). At $27 million, Quantum of Solace would have the 26th highest US opening day ever. The only 2008 release to top this opening would be The Dark Knight [obviously]... $27 million would place it above other 2008 big-hitters Sex And The City and Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. It would also place it above [frequent film of comparison] The Bourne Ultimatum." The last Bond film, Casino Royale, had an opening day of $14.7 million -- nearly half QoS's. It leaves the new release "on track to a weekend haul of approximately $70 million" -- the franchise's opening weekend record is held by Die Another Day at $47.1 million.
The Showdown: Wall-E Vs. Batman
(from Studio Briefing)
"While many industry observers are predicting that The Dark Knight on DVD will become the year's biggest video hit, a few others suggest that Disney/Pixar's Wall-E [sic] should not be overlooked. They point out that animated features have a long history of dominance in home-video sales and that Wall-e [sic] is one of the few that holds as much appeal for adults as it does for children. Meanwhile, websites that focus on high-definition fare have unanimously endorsed the Blu-ray version of Wall-e as the HD gold standard."
The thick Sharpe's Peril and why Jonathan Ross and Brand should stay by AA Gill
(from Times Online)
Belated commentary on the Ross/Brand/Sachs thing (I'm not even going to bother linking back to it any more), but, as regular readers know, I love this position on it -- especially as it has added Piers Morgan-slating, which is always welcome. Also, eventually, Gill gets round to his point -- slating the latest Sharpe. He's mostly wrong about that though.
"We will take some more risks and shake things up a little bit more." by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
The great thing about fansites is that they often summarise interviews and articles from other sites, so you just get what's new or interesting instead of having to trawl through all the same old publicity fluff. Here, the best bits are comments from producer Barbara Broccoli: "In Casino Royale, the book, there was no Moneypenny or Q so that is why they are not in that story. And, in this follow-up, there didn’t seem to be a reason or a place for them. That doesn’t mean that they won’t appear later on. We made a decision to strip everything away. Some things will come back, some things won’t. Some things will come back in a different way. We will take some more risks and shake things up a little bit more and hope audiences are with us." Sensible, I think.
Also: "Hopefully at the end of Quantum of Solace, we have this ‘whole’ character [for Bond]. And now we can do what we want. I think in some way, he will go after the organisation [Quantum]. So in that sense, it may become a trilogy, but we haven’t really structured it that way." Super. And what else will be back? "I don’t want [Judi Dench] to leave. She keeps threatening to leave but I will not let her!" Good girl. Anything further? Gadgets, apparently! "The trouble is, everyone has gadgets. We will need to come up with a few that have not been invented by the Sony Corp!" Good luck!
Friday, 14 November 2008
TV
Children in Need 2008
Hurray! I love Children in Need. Even when it's below-par (and, let's face it, it's well past its best -- it's mostly music these days, with no natty 3D or Smell-o-Vision gimmicks and very few original sketches or whatnot) it's still entertaining, still has its moments, and, of course, it's all for a good cause. Plus anything with this much Terry Wogan has to be good. But this year was better than most -- highlights being Doctor Who and Top Gear/Ashes to Ashes -- so that was super.
[Watch it (again) in hour-long chunks on iPlayer.]
QI
6x01 Families [Children in Need special]
For those who don't know, each series of QI has an alphabetical theme -- i.e. series one was "A", series two "B", and so on -- making series six "F". So in that sense, this is at the end of series six; of course, being filmed more recently, it could be called 7x01. Rubbish, says I. Not that it matters, or anyone cares. Anyway -- it's all the better for having added Terry Wogan, who was (of course) brilliant. I love QI -- there's a Christmas special on the way, followed by series "G" in 2009.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Edit: Oh, the confusion! I blame TV.com. Anyway, this is 6x01, not 6x11, because the (first?) 2009 series if "F".
Hurray! I love Children in Need. Even when it's below-par (and, let's face it, it's well past its best -- it's mostly music these days, with no natty 3D or Smell-o-Vision gimmicks and very few original sketches or whatnot) it's still entertaining, still has its moments, and, of course, it's all for a good cause. Plus anything with this much Terry Wogan has to be good. But this year was better than most -- highlights being Doctor Who and Top Gear/Ashes to Ashes -- so that was super.
[Watch it (again) in hour-long chunks on iPlayer.]
QI
6x01 Families [Children in Need special]
For those who don't know, each series of QI has an alphabetical theme -- i.e. series one was "A", series two "B", and so on -- making series six "F". So in that sense, this is at the end of series six; of course, being filmed more recently, it could be called 7x01. Rubbish, says I. Not that it matters, or anyone cares. Anyway -- it's all the better for having added Terry Wogan, who was (of course) brilliant. I love QI -- there's a Christmas special on the way, followed by series "G" in 2009.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Edit: Oh, the confusion! I blame TV.com. Anyway, this is 6x01, not 6x11, because the (first?) 2009 series if "F".
Films
Fargo (1996)
[2nd watch]
I hadn't been intending to re-watch Fargo, but we watched about half of it (mostly from the first half, but also a few scenes toward the end) in my screenwriting module, analysing a certain aspect of screenwriting theory and how it appears in every scene. Unfortunately I don't have my DVD of the film with me to watch the rest.
[2nd watch]
I hadn't been intending to re-watch Fargo, but we watched about half of it (mostly from the first half, but also a few scenes toward the end) in my screenwriting module, analysing a certain aspect of screenwriting theory and how it appears in every scene. Unfortunately I don't have my DVD of the film with me to watch the rest.
Poem of the Day: The Pencil Case
by coolositymax
I never said all the stuff posted in this strand had to be 'professional' or 'published' or anything (I have no rules, remember) -- I may even post stuff by me at some point -- so here's a favourite of mine from the World Wide Web. I've always liked its simplicity and humour -- making it an especially good choice for a Friday, I think -- which works because of the rhyme and rhythm. Poetry doesn't have to be Deep, Complex and Meaningful to be good.
This poem is available online at deviantART. If you're a member, please comment (and fav, if you wish) there.
Unlike the rest of the blog, Poem of the Day will be taking breaks at weekends, so see you on Monday.
I never said all the stuff posted in this strand had to be 'professional' or 'published' or anything (I have no rules, remember) -- I may even post stuff by me at some point -- so here's a favourite of mine from the World Wide Web. I've always liked its simplicity and humour -- making it an especially good choice for a Friday, I think -- which works because of the rhyme and rhythm. Poetry doesn't have to be Deep, Complex and Meaningful to be good.
Pen, Pencil, Ruler,
Scissors, Paper, Glue.
Crayons, Staples, Eraser,
Pencil Shavings Too.
This poem is available online at deviantART. If you're a member, please comment (and fav, if you wish) there.
Unlike the rest of the blog, Poem of the Day will be taking breaks at weekends, so see you on Monday.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
TV
The Graham Norton Show
4x06 (6/11/08 edition, uncut repeat)
Glasvegas are appallingly overrated, it seems to me. Karen Allen, on the other hand, is lovely.
Little Dorrit
Part 6 (of 14)
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x07 (13/11/08 edition)
4x06 (6/11/08 edition, uncut repeat)
Glasvegas are appallingly overrated, it seems to me. Karen Allen, on the other hand, is lovely.
Little Dorrit
Part 6 (of 14)
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x07 (13/11/08 edition)
Articles: Bond
Bond 23 Expected In 2011 by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
So much for 2010, it seems they may be following the release pattern (or, at least, spacing) of Pierce Brosnan's era. The piece is an interview with Bond producer Michael G. Wilson and includes a few other snippets of interest to fans, such as thoughts on returns for Judi Dench and Jeffrey Wright, and comparisons between Quantum and SPECTRE.
Movie Reviews: Quantum Of Solace
(from Studio Briefing)
An intriguing set of reviews for Quantum of Solace in the US: some critics assert the view widely expressed over here that it's not enough like the Bond of old and too much like Bourne, while at least one other lists elements that may've seemed appropriate in Bonds of the past but don't fit now. Oh the irony.
(from CommanderBond.net)
So much for 2010, it seems they may be following the release pattern (or, at least, spacing) of Pierce Brosnan's era. The piece is an interview with Bond producer Michael G. Wilson and includes a few other snippets of interest to fans, such as thoughts on returns for Judi Dench and Jeffrey Wright, and comparisons between Quantum and SPECTRE.
Movie Reviews: Quantum Of Solace
(from Studio Briefing)
An intriguing set of reviews for Quantum of Solace in the US: some critics assert the view widely expressed over here that it's not enough like the Bond of old and too much like Bourne, while at least one other lists elements that may've seemed appropriate in Bonds of the past but don't fit now. Oh the irony.
Poem of the Day: The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd
by Sir Walter Raleigh
Today's poem is indeed by the famous Elizabethan "writer, poet, soldier, courtier and explorer". It was written as a response to another piece -- The Passionate Shepherd to His Love by Christopher Marlowe (yep, the Elizabethan dramatist and poet, allegedly a spy, an atheist and a homosexual) -- but the cynicism in Raleigh's reply suits me better.
To nab a brief bit of analysis from Wikipedia's entry on the poem: "It could be considered a criticism, or at least a negative reaction to the original poem, as the nymph is in fact rejecting the shepherd in question quite harshly, and includes many lines that are directly connected to propositions made in Marlowe's poem. However her main reason for rejecting him is more related to her own feelings of mortality and the transience of life".
Tomorrow, it's Funny Friday.
Today's poem is indeed by the famous Elizabethan "writer, poet, soldier, courtier and explorer". It was written as a response to another piece -- The Passionate Shepherd to His Love by Christopher Marlowe (yep, the Elizabethan dramatist and poet, allegedly a spy, an atheist and a homosexual) -- but the cynicism in Raleigh's reply suits me better.
If all the world and love were young,
And truth in every shepherd's tongue,
These pretty pleasures might me move
To live with thee and be thy love.
Time drives the flocks from field to fold
When rivers rage and rocks grow cold,
And Philomel becometh dumb;
The rest complains of cares to come.
The flowers do fade, and wanton fields
To wayward winter reckoning yields;
A honey tongue, a heart of gall,
Is fancy's spring, but sorrow's fall,
Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of roses,
Thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies
Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten--
In folly ripe, in reason rotten.
Thy belt of straw and ivy buds,
Thy coral clasps and amber studs,
All these in me no means can move
To come to thee and be thy love.
But could youth last and love still breed,
Had joys no date nor age no need,
Then these delights my mind might move
To live with thee and be thy love.
To nab a brief bit of analysis from Wikipedia's entry on the poem: "It could be considered a criticism, or at least a negative reaction to the original poem, as the nymph is in fact rejecting the shepherd in question quite harshly, and includes many lines that are directly connected to propositions made in Marlowe's poem. However her main reason for rejecting him is more related to her own feelings of mortality and the transience of life".
Tomorrow, it's Funny Friday.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
TV
Charles at 60: The Passionate Prince
There have been lots of excellent documentaries about the monarchy in the past year or two. Just an observation.
Little Dorrit
Part 5 (of 14)
There have been lots of excellent documentaries about the monarchy in the past year or two. Just an observation.
Little Dorrit
Part 5 (of 14)
Articles
First Full Enterprise Photo From Star Trek Unearthed
(from AceShowbiz)
It's a pretty good re-design if you ask me (a non-Trekkie, I should add). It's faithful but not slavish; modernised, but also stylised (like a lot of the film seems to be). Director J.J. Abrams describes it as "realistic", which I think might be a bit of a stretch, but I would certainly call it "appropriate". Anyhow, see for yourself:
Keep going for more on Star Trek...
Monopoly Movie Finally Passes Go by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
This is the oddest idea & director pairing for a movie ever. Ever.
Shuler Donner Talks Magneto by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
The other X-Men prequel, which is still in development, sort of. Sounds like it could be good, though it'll be a helluva challenge to find two actors as good as McKellen and Stewart. (Incidentally, why isn't Stewart a Knight yet? His part in Extras should've sealed that one, I think.)
Star Trek Footage Revealed by James Dyer
(from the Empire Blog)
Empire have seen a whole chunk of the new Star Trek film (the 11th, but it's simply called Star Trek), and it actually sounds like it might be quite good. Shocking, I know. Read the spoiler-filled summary at that link, and look out for a new trailer soon (it's attached to Quantum of Solace in US -- clearly expecting that to be a Big Hit over the pond too, then).
(from AceShowbiz)
It's a pretty good re-design if you ask me (a non-Trekkie, I should add). It's faithful but not slavish; modernised, but also stylised (like a lot of the film seems to be). Director J.J. Abrams describes it as "realistic", which I think might be a bit of a stretch, but I would certainly call it "appropriate". Anyhow, see for yourself:
Keep going for more on Star Trek...
Monopoly Movie Finally Passes Go by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
This is the oddest idea & director pairing for a movie ever. Ever.
Shuler Donner Talks Magneto by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
The other X-Men prequel, which is still in development, sort of. Sounds like it could be good, though it'll be a helluva challenge to find two actors as good as McKellen and Stewart. (Incidentally, why isn't Stewart a Knight yet? His part in Extras should've sealed that one, I think.)
Star Trek Footage Revealed by James Dyer
(from the Empire Blog)
Empire have seen a whole chunk of the new Star Trek film (the 11th, but it's simply called Star Trek), and it actually sounds like it might be quite good. Shocking, I know. Read the spoiler-filled summary at that link, and look out for a new trailer soon (it's attached to Quantum of Solace in US -- clearly expecting that to be a Big Hit over the pond too, then).
How many syllables are in the word "hour"?
Not something I'd thought about until today, when trying to write a poem in a specific meter.
Think it's simple? It isn't, as this complex answer to that simple question proves. Said answer is long and quite technical, but so interesting that I wanted to share it.
Source: Yahoo! Answers
Think it's simple? It isn't, as this complex answer to that simple question proves. Said answer is long and quite technical, but so interesting that I wanted to share it.
Source: Yahoo! Answers
Poem of the Day: If--
by Rudyard Kipling
I originally posted this yesterday, before alighting on something more appropriate, so here it is again today. If-- was written in 1895 (first published 1910), in reaction to an event that contributed to the start of the Boer War. It's a justly famous poem, voted Britain's favourite in the '90s and one of mine too, which makes it an appropriate early choice for this series.
See you tomorrow!
I originally posted this yesterday, before alighting on something more appropriate, so here it is again today. If-- was written in 1895 (first published 1910), in reaction to an event that contributed to the start of the Boer War. It's a justly famous poem, voted Britain's favourite in the '90s and one of mine too, which makes it an appropriate early choice for this series.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream -- and not make dreams your master;
If you can think -- and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same:
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings -- nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And -- which is more -- you'll be a Man, my son!
See you tomorrow!
Che in the UK
After all the coverage I've given it, I feel I should point out that the only real interest I have in Steven Soderbergh's two-part Che Guevera biopic is to do with the fuss surrounding whether it would be released and, if so, in how many parts. I don't share the common student's passing obsession with him -- or, rather, with the iconography of That T-Shirt.
Just so we're clear.
Anyway, it seems the UK release will be split in two, with Part One hitting our shores on January 1st 2009, and Part Two following seven weeks later on February 20th. Why such a gap I don't know, especially as Soderbergh expressed a desire for them to be released at the same time, so people could see all four hours in one go if they wished. I guess anyone wanting to do that will just have to wait for the DVD. To be honest, it's not that epic a running time; certainly not on DVD. I've watched all three extended Lord of the Rings films in one day -- that is an epic.
Anyway, here's the UK Che poster:
The technically-minded part of me wonders, "will they be called Che: Part One and Che: Part Two on screen, or retain the original, different titles on each half (still listed on IMDb)?" It hardly matters, but that's more likely to persuade me to fork out £7 (total) to go see them than their actual contents. Unless they win Oscars, in which case that reason edges into the lead.
Just.
Just so we're clear.
Anyway, it seems the UK release will be split in two, with Part One hitting our shores on January 1st 2009, and Part Two following seven weeks later on February 20th. Why such a gap I don't know, especially as Soderbergh expressed a desire for them to be released at the same time, so people could see all four hours in one go if they wished. I guess anyone wanting to do that will just have to wait for the DVD. To be honest, it's not that epic a running time; certainly not on DVD. I've watched all three extended Lord of the Rings films in one day -- that is an epic.
Anyway, here's the UK Che poster:
The technically-minded part of me wonders, "will they be called Che: Part One and Che: Part Two on screen, or retain the original, different titles on each half (still listed on IMDb)?" It hardly matters, but that's more likely to persuade me to fork out £7 (total) to go see them than their actual contents. Unless they win Oscars, in which case that reason edges into the lead.
Just.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
TV
Argumental
1x03 (10/11/08 edition)
The blues was robbed! It's still a shame this is premiering on Dave, because more people should see it. I don't know how many are seeing it, but as it's on Dave I should wager it's "not enough".
Natural World
Titus: The Gorilla King
Gorillas are amazingly human-like. Titus' life story could easily be made into a plot involving humans (probably a political/monarchy drama set in the past, a la The Tudors) and no one would go, "that's weird, why're they behaving like that?" Unless you kept the flea-picking bits in, of course...
[Watch it on iPlayer or read about it at Radio Times.]
1x03 (10/11/08 edition)
The blues was robbed! It's still a shame this is premiering on Dave, because more people should see it. I don't know how many are seeing it, but as it's on Dave I should wager it's "not enough".
Natural World
Titus: The Gorilla King
Gorillas are amazingly human-like. Titus' life story could easily be made into a plot involving humans (probably a political/monarchy drama set in the past, a la The Tudors) and no one would go, "that's weird, why're they behaving like that?" Unless you kept the flea-picking bits in, of course...
[Watch it on iPlayer or read about it at Radio Times.]
Articles
Details on How Terrence Howard Lost His Role in Iron Man 2
(from FirstShowing.net)
True or not? Sounds like it might well be to me. Either way, it's an interesting story, and nice to have a proper explanation after all the speculation.
James Bond is back with martinis but not the gadgets by Geoff Boucher
(from Hero Complex at Los Angeles Times Blogs)
Not much new to learn from this interview with Quantum of Solace director Marc Forster, but it amuses me how many of these articles are prominently branded "exclusive", despite similar (and often superior) interviews with the same people being plastered over every website and magazine going. It seems "exclusive" means "commonplace" these days; or, more accurately, "please read this!"
Lord of the Rings-inspired movie in the pipeline
(from Boxwish Blog)
No, not The Hobbit -- or 'The Hobbit 2' -- this is something else. (No, it's not another of those "films about fans" either.)
Next Big Viral: Neill Blomkamp's District 9 - For Humans Only
(from FirstShowing.net)
Bit late on spotting this one (though I did notice the banners in photos at the time, but just thought they were some silly con thing). Still, sounds interesting...
(from FirstShowing.net)
True or not? Sounds like it might well be to me. Either way, it's an interesting story, and nice to have a proper explanation after all the speculation.
James Bond is back with martinis but not the gadgets by Geoff Boucher
(from Hero Complex at Los Angeles Times Blogs)
Not much new to learn from this interview with Quantum of Solace director Marc Forster, but it amuses me how many of these articles are prominently branded "exclusive", despite similar (and often superior) interviews with the same people being plastered over every website and magazine going. It seems "exclusive" means "commonplace" these days; or, more accurately, "please read this!"
Lord of the Rings-inspired movie in the pipeline
(from Boxwish Blog)
No, not The Hobbit -- or 'The Hobbit 2' -- this is something else. (No, it's not another of those "films about fans" either.)
Next Big Viral: Neill Blomkamp's District 9 - For Humans Only
(from FirstShowing.net)
Bit late on spotting this one (though I did notice the banners in photos at the time, but just thought they were some silly con thing). Still, sounds interesting...
new Watchmen character posters
Nice enough, though I preferred the comic-inspired ones.
These were originally released scattered around the web as various exclusives (the one here was the first I came across, for example), which explains why some are extra-good quality, why the Dr Manhattan one is really low quality, and why Silk Spectre's has an MTV logo at the bottom (studies have shown it takes males longer to notice this logo than females.) Presumably all six sites were given equal-quality files, which makes it all the more annoying that not everyone bothered to include those -- especially the very poor quality Dr Manhattan one.
As usual, this rather silly 'exclusive' method means that any site not granted an exclusive can compile all six independently, thereby topping any of these oh-so-special treated sites. The irony of that always amuses me.
Click to enlarge.
(If anyone cares, the sites that had them were, respectively, Access Hollywood, USA Today's Lifeline Live, Wired's underwire, MTV's Splash Page, LA Times' Hero Complex, and EW.com's clearly rubbish PopWatch.)
Additionally, one of the sites had another poster that I've not seen before, which is my personal favourite so far:
03.06.09 is too far away.
These were originally released scattered around the web as various exclusives (the one here was the first I came across, for example), which explains why some are extra-good quality, why the Dr Manhattan one is really low quality, and why Silk Spectre's has an MTV logo at the bottom (studies have shown it takes males longer to notice this logo than females.) Presumably all six sites were given equal-quality files, which makes it all the more annoying that not everyone bothered to include those -- especially the very poor quality Dr Manhattan one.
As usual, this rather silly 'exclusive' method means that any site not granted an exclusive can compile all six independently, thereby topping any of these oh-so-special treated sites. The irony of that always amuses me.
Click to enlarge.
(If anyone cares, the sites that had them were, respectively, Access Hollywood, USA Today's Lifeline Live, Wired's underwire, MTV's Splash Page, LA Times' Hero Complex, and EW.com's clearly rubbish PopWatch.)
Additionally, one of the sites had another poster that I've not seen before, which is my personal favourite so far:
03.06.09 is too far away.
Poem of the Day: Dulce et Decorum Est
by Wilfred Owen
Following yesterday's A Martian Sends a Postcard Home, and in the run-up to needing to read a lot of new poetry for a module next year (starting mid-January), I've decided to post a poem every day (you may've guessed that from the title). I don't have any selection criteria at the minute -- old, new, long, short, familiar, obscure, anything goes. Though I have no desire to spend a long time typing anything up (unless it's really good) and don't want to violate any copyrights, so it'll just be stuff I find available online -- so mostly old stuff then, I guess.
As today is Remembrance Day, this year the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War, it seems most appropriate to include a poem by one of the war poets. There's a lot of notable poetry from this particular war, much of which I studied at A-level, and this is one of the most memorable -- very well know, but for good reason.
For those who don't know, the Latin phrase at the end was a common mantra at the time (originally written by Roman poet Horace), which translates as, "It is sweet and noble to die for one's country".
(Trying to find a version of this to post here, I noticed several variations. I went with what I considered to be a moderately definitive one, but am prepared to be corrected.)
Following yesterday's A Martian Sends a Postcard Home, and in the run-up to needing to read a lot of new poetry for a module next year (starting mid-January), I've decided to post a poem every day (you may've guessed that from the title). I don't have any selection criteria at the minute -- old, new, long, short, familiar, obscure, anything goes. Though I have no desire to spend a long time typing anything up (unless it's really good) and don't want to violate any copyrights, so it'll just be stuff I find available online -- so mostly old stuff then, I guess.
As today is Remembrance Day, this year the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War, it seems most appropriate to include a poem by one of the war poets. There's a lot of notable poetry from this particular war, much of which I studied at A-level, and this is one of the most memorable -- very well know, but for good reason.
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.
Gas! Gas! Quick, boys!-- An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And floundering like a man in fire or lime...
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,--
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.
For those who don't know, the Latin phrase at the end was a common mantra at the time (originally written by Roman poet Horace), which translates as, "It is sweet and noble to die for one's country".
(Trying to find a version of this to post here, I noticed several variations. I went with what I considered to be a moderately definitive one, but am prepared to be corrected.)
Monday, 10 November 2008
TV
The Sarah Jane Adventures
2x07 The Mark of the Beserker Part One
Clearly, those kids are next to useless when Sarah Jane goes away. Did you know the only one that's actually 15 is Luke? The other two are both legally able to go out getting drunk and what have you. And do, apparently. (I apologise if this shatters anyone's illusions. Or indeed if "getting drunk" is overstating it.)
Stephen Fry in America
Part 5 True West
Stephen Fry visits a brothel! Now there's something you don't expect to see.
2x07 The Mark of the Beserker Part One
Clearly, those kids are next to useless when Sarah Jane goes away. Did you know the only one that's actually 15 is Luke? The other two are both legally able to go out getting drunk and what have you. And do, apparently. (I apologise if this shatters anyone's illusions. Or indeed if "getting drunk" is overstating it.)
Stephen Fry in America
Part 5 True West
Stephen Fry visits a brothel! Now there's something you don't expect to see.
Articles
Brand brands Sachs row 'meaningless' by Sarah Rollo
(from Digital Spy)
Ooh, controversial headline! I think I'll complain! Etc. However, he does have a point.
Quantum of Solace Rules International Box Office by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
I love a good round of statistics, and here's some good statistics: "on general release in 58 new markets around the world and opened bigger than Casino Royale in every single one of them (13 even managed to double what Royale did). [It] grossed a whopping $106.5 million this weekend in 61 territories, making it the 11th biggest international weekend ever. The film grossed more than triple the combined foreign take for the next four entries on the list... Despite not having opened in the US, Australia, Japan, Mexico and Spain yet, the 10-day cumulative total for Quantum of Solace stands at $160.3 million." Follow the link for loads more.
Review of The Incredible Hulk R1 DVD by James Gray
(from DVD Times)
"The two monsters dutifully tear apart a few apartment blocks before the Abomination keels over and surrenders and everyone goes home happy they’ve had their yearly fill of watching CGI monsters do battle while being simultaneously relieved they’ve left without getting the same headache as Transformers gave them last year."
Top Gear secret code mocks Strictly by Michael Thornton
(from Digital Spy)
It's the in thing these days to complain to the BBC about nothing -- especially if that nothing happens on a controversial show -- so I wonder how many this will manage?
(from Digital Spy)
Ooh, controversial headline! I think I'll complain! Etc. However, he does have a point.
Quantum of Solace Rules International Box Office by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
I love a good round of statistics, and here's some good statistics: "on general release in 58 new markets around the world and opened bigger than Casino Royale in every single one of them (13 even managed to double what Royale did). [It] grossed a whopping $106.5 million this weekend in 61 territories, making it the 11th biggest international weekend ever. The film grossed more than triple the combined foreign take for the next four entries on the list... Despite not having opened in the US, Australia, Japan, Mexico and Spain yet, the 10-day cumulative total for Quantum of Solace stands at $160.3 million." Follow the link for loads more.
Review of The Incredible Hulk R1 DVD by James Gray
(from DVD Times)
"The two monsters dutifully tear apart a few apartment blocks before the Abomination keels over and surrenders and everyone goes home happy they’ve had their yearly fill of watching CGI monsters do battle while being simultaneously relieved they’ve left without getting the same headache as Transformers gave them last year."
Top Gear secret code mocks Strictly by Michael Thornton
(from Digital Spy)
It's the in thing these days to complain to the BBC about nothing -- especially if that nothing happens on a controversial show -- so I wonder how many this will manage?
Poem of the Day: A Martian Sends a Postcard Home
by Craig Raine
This 1979 piece is part of a movement (possibly the start of the movement) known as Martian poetry, which you're most likely to have heard of as a way of being taught poetry in school. It's freely available on numerous websites, so I may as well include the full text here.
If you're struggling, I can tell you that "caxtons" are books (quite where that word comes from, or how they could be described as "mechanical birds", I don't know); "Model T" is, of course, the Ford Model T car; the watch and clock are obvious, I think; the "haunted apparatus" is a telephone, which "cries" (rings), is "soothed" (talked into) and "tickled" (dialled); the "punishment room with water" is, I believe, a bathroom; and "read about themselves" are dreams, I presume.
Hardly a detailed analysis I know, but perhaps some useful pointers.
This 1979 piece is part of a movement (possibly the start of the movement) known as Martian poetry, which you're most likely to have heard of as a way of being taught poetry in school. It's freely available on numerous websites, so I may as well include the full text here.
Caxtons are mechanical birds with many wings
and some are treasured for their markings --
they cause the eyes to melt
or the body to shriek without pain.
I have never seen one fly, but
sometimes they perch on the hand.
Mist is when the sky is tired of flight
and rests its soft machine on ground:
then the world is dim and bookish
like engravings under tissue paper.
Rain is when the earth is television.
It has the property of making colours darker.
Model T is a room with the lock inside --
a key is turned to free the world
for movement, so quick there is a film
to watch for anything missed.
But time is tied to the wrist
or kept in a box, ticking with impatience.
In homes, a haunted apparatus sleeps,
that snores when you pick it up.
If the ghost cries, they carry it
to their lips and soothe it to sleep
with sounds. And yet they wake it up
deliberately, by tickling with a finger.
Only the young are allowed to suffer
openly. Adults go to a punishment room
with water but nothing to eat.
They lock the door and suffer the noises
alone. No one is exempt
and everyone's pain has a different smell.
At night when all the colours die,
they hide in pairs
and read about themselves --
in colour, with their eyelids shut.
If you're struggling, I can tell you that "caxtons" are books (quite where that word comes from, or how they could be described as "mechanical birds", I don't know); "Model T" is, of course, the Ford Model T car; the watch and clock are obvious, I think; the "haunted apparatus" is a telephone, which "cries" (rings), is "soothed" (talked into) and "tickled" (dialled); the "punishment room with water" is, I believe, a bathroom; and "read about themselves" are dreams, I presume.
Hardly a detailed analysis I know, but perhaps some useful pointers.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
TV
The Sandbaggers
1x07 Special Relationship [season finale]
Absolutely excellent; probably the best episode yet. One often thinks the concept of a "season finale", a grand final episode where the stakes are higher than any other, as being quite a modern American-inherited invention, but clearly the idea behind it goes back much further. Why can't all TV be this good?
Sharpe
7x02 Sharpe's Peril Part 2 [season finale]
A much stronger, and more action-packed, second half. One wonders if the international version -- which is only 102 minutes, in-keeping with the original series of Sharpe episodes (this British version totals 138 minutes) -- cuts equally from both halves, or gets rid of more of the first half's slower-paced relative dross. Both versions be on the DVD release (either out now or soon, depending on which sites you believe), so I suppose anyone who cares can find out then.
Top Gear
12x02 (9/11/08 edition)
Not entertaining, ohhh no.
1x07 Special Relationship [season finale]
Absolutely excellent; probably the best episode yet. One often thinks the concept of a "season finale", a grand final episode where the stakes are higher than any other, as being quite a modern American-inherited invention, but clearly the idea behind it goes back much further. Why can't all TV be this good?
Sharpe
7x02 Sharpe's Peril Part 2 [season finale]
A much stronger, and more action-packed, second half. One wonders if the international version -- which is only 102 minutes, in-keeping with the original series of Sharpe episodes (this British version totals 138 minutes) -- cuts equally from both halves, or gets rid of more of the first half's slower-paced relative dross. Both versions be on the DVD release (either out now or soon, depending on which sites you believe), so I suppose anyone who cares can find out then.
Top Gear
12x02 (9/11/08 edition)
Not entertaining, ohhh no.
Fiction
Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman, Andy Kubert & Richard Isanove
Part One
What if all the Marvel heroes appeared 400 years early, in Elizabethan England? It's an intriguing setup that starts well in this first part (of eight). Hopefully Gaiman can keep the story up and take it beyond the novelty factor of Sir Nicholas Fury being the Queen's chief spy, with young Peter Parquagh as his assistant, or 'witchbreeds' Scotius Summerisle, Robert Trefusis and John Grey rescuing a bewinged boy from a burning courtesy of the inquisition.
One element that never disappoints is Kubert's art, which has a cleanly realistic style that I always like, and here is beautifully computer-painted by Isanvoe. The pair did stunning work in a very similar vein on Origin (the series that finally revealed the early life of Wolverine) back in 2001/2, and this style certainly suits the faux-historical content of the two books. Also, Scott McKowen's wonderfully evocative covers (all of which can be seen here) shouldn't go without a mention.
Queen & Country - Operation: Broken Ground by Greg Rucka & Steve Rolston
Chapter 1
Queen & Country is an unofficial comics continuation of the world of The Sandbaggers, though set in the present day. It's immediately obvious from this first issue that the style has been faithfully maintained -- which makes it fantastic. This first chapter is available online for free (legally) on this page, or a direct link here (you'll need to right click + Save As, or what have you). You'll also need some software to read .cbr files -- I use FFView, which is Mac-only, but Wikipedia has some Windows (and Linux) suggestions.
Part One
What if all the Marvel heroes appeared 400 years early, in Elizabethan England? It's an intriguing setup that starts well in this first part (of eight). Hopefully Gaiman can keep the story up and take it beyond the novelty factor of Sir Nicholas Fury being the Queen's chief spy, with young Peter Parquagh as his assistant, or 'witchbreeds' Scotius Summerisle, Robert Trefusis and John Grey rescuing a bewinged boy from a burning courtesy of the inquisition.
One element that never disappoints is Kubert's art, which has a cleanly realistic style that I always like, and here is beautifully computer-painted by Isanvoe. The pair did stunning work in a very similar vein on Origin (the series that finally revealed the early life of Wolverine) back in 2001/2, and this style certainly suits the faux-historical content of the two books. Also, Scott McKowen's wonderfully evocative covers (all of which can be seen here) shouldn't go without a mention.
Queen & Country - Operation: Broken Ground by Greg Rucka & Steve Rolston
Chapter 1
Queen & Country is an unofficial comics continuation of the world of The Sandbaggers, though set in the present day. It's immediately obvious from this first issue that the style has been faithfully maintained -- which makes it fantastic. This first chapter is available online for free (legally) on this page, or a direct link here (you'll need to right click + Save As, or what have you). You'll also need some software to read .cbr files -- I use FFView, which is Mac-only, but Wikipedia has some Windows (and Linux) suggestions.
Articles
10 most uncool James Bond moments by James Clayton
(from Den of Geek!)
Some of these are undeniably true, but Den of Geek is still rubbish.
Jackson Plans Busy 2009 As Nick Fury
(from WENN)
"Samuel L. Jackson is preparing for a busy 2009 -- he's aiming to feature in a host of movie comics after he was revealed as superspy Nick Fury at the end of Iron Man." Apologies to anyone who considers that a spoiler, but c'mon, it's five months old now. "[Jackson] will play a key part in Iron Man 2... 'I should kinda pass through Iron Man 2, Captain America, Thor -- all those things -- and eventually get to that Avengers space... They sorta gave me a master plan about how they want it to work... I'll do every movie they wanna do." And while he didn't turn up in The Incredible Hulk, someone else did (and without having to wait til the end of the credits either!)
(from Den of Geek!)
Some of these are undeniably true, but Den of Geek is still rubbish.
Jackson Plans Busy 2009 As Nick Fury
(from WENN)
"Samuel L. Jackson is preparing for a busy 2009 -- he's aiming to feature in a host of movie comics after he was revealed as superspy Nick Fury at the end of Iron Man." Apologies to anyone who considers that a spoiler, but c'mon, it's five months old now. "[Jackson] will play a key part in Iron Man 2... 'I should kinda pass through Iron Man 2, Captain America, Thor -- all those things -- and eventually get to that Avengers space... They sorta gave me a master plan about how they want it to work... I'll do every movie they wanna do." And while he didn't turn up in The Incredible Hulk, someone else did (and without having to wait til the end of the credits either!)
Saturday, 8 November 2008
TV
Have I Got News For You
36x04 (7/11/08 edition; extended repeat)
The added material is often very funny, and really speaking there's quite a lot of it, but it's usually little bits scattered about and so at times feels a bit of a trawl.
Merlin
1x08 The Beginning of the End
Merlin: The Legend
Nothing to do with the current TV series, but a documentary on the history of the character in literature and whatnot. Of some interest, but occasionally padded and slow.
36x04 (7/11/08 edition; extended repeat)
The added material is often very funny, and really speaking there's quite a lot of it, but it's usually little bits scattered about and so at times feels a bit of a trawl.
Merlin
1x08 The Beginning of the End
Merlin: The Legend
Nothing to do with the current TV series, but a documentary on the history of the character in literature and whatnot. Of some interest, but occasionally padded and slow.
Fiction
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
There are, I think, three things that might surprise people who've only really heard the title & fame of the book/film Breakfast at Tiffany's -- certainly, they surprised me the first time I discovered them. One, it's by Truman Capote, the author of In Cold Blood and the subject of the surprisingly mediocre 2005 film Capote. Two, it's only 92 pages long, and that with relatively large text for a literary book. It doesn't even have any chapters. Shocking! And three, the character portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the film, Holly Golightly, isn't... well, I'm not sure what she isn't, really, but she wasn't what I expected.
Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman & Andy Kubert
Time After Time: From 1602 to 2004 by Peter Sanderson
A distinctly above-average introduction to a graphic novel, by academic Sanderson, that acts as both an introduction to some of the characters involved and to the themes and concepts explored. Super.
There are, I think, three things that might surprise people who've only really heard the title & fame of the book/film Breakfast at Tiffany's -- certainly, they surprised me the first time I discovered them. One, it's by Truman Capote, the author of In Cold Blood and the subject of the surprisingly mediocre 2005 film Capote. Two, it's only 92 pages long, and that with relatively large text for a literary book. It doesn't even have any chapters. Shocking! And three, the character portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the film, Holly Golightly, isn't... well, I'm not sure what she isn't, really, but she wasn't what I expected.
Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman & Andy Kubert
Time After Time: From 1602 to 2004 by Peter Sanderson
A distinctly above-average introduction to a graphic novel, by academic Sanderson, that acts as both an introduction to some of the characters involved and to the themes and concepts explored. Super.
Articles
"And Don't Crash It!" by Christopher Middleton
(from Radio Times 8-14 November 2008, p.14-16)
Richard Hammond and 'Gene Hunt' chat about the Ashes to Ashes special, part of Children in Need this Friday. Highly amusing stories about their driving tests too.
Daniel Craig On Continuing Bond's Journey In Quantum of Solace by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
But, more important than Craig going on about the Bond/Vesper love story again, there's this: "Someone asked me before, who would win a fight, Bond or Batman or Bourne? And I said, 'Bond would get the other two to punch the shit out of each other while betting on both of them and having a martini.'"
"I'd love to reinvent Q and Moneypenny" by Tim Roth
(from CommanderBond.net)
So say Daniel Craig. Plus, a gay Bond?
(from Radio Times 8-14 November 2008, p.14-16)
Richard Hammond and 'Gene Hunt' chat about the Ashes to Ashes special, part of Children in Need this Friday. Highly amusing stories about their driving tests too.
Daniel Craig On Continuing Bond's Journey In Quantum of Solace by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
But, more important than Craig going on about the Bond/Vesper love story again, there's this: "Someone asked me before, who would win a fight, Bond or Batman or Bourne? And I said, 'Bond would get the other two to punch the shit out of each other while betting on both of them and having a martini.'"
"I'd love to reinvent Q and Moneypenny" by Tim Roth
(from CommanderBond.net)
So say Daniel Craig. Plus, a gay Bond?
Friday, 7 November 2008
TV
Have I Got News For You
36x04 (7/11/08 edition)
Russell Brand's Ponderland
2x02 Family
He may've quit the BBC, but he's still on C4! Cos they know what they're doing, see.
The Sandbaggers
1x06 A Feasible Solution
Now that I'm all caught up with Spooks, I can get back into some more realistic spying, '70s style.
36x04 (7/11/08 edition)
Russell Brand's Ponderland
2x02 Family
He may've quit the BBC, but he's still on C4! Cos they know what they're doing, see.
The Sandbaggers
1x06 A Feasible Solution
Now that I'm all caught up with Spooks, I can get back into some more realistic spying, '70s style.
Films
Gasman (1997)
[#76a in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Short from the director of Ratcatcher and Morvern Callar.
[#76a in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Short from the director of Ratcatcher and Morvern Callar.
Articles
Morrissey responds to Dr Who rumours by Ben Rawson-Jones
(from Digital Spy)
"As for any talk of me taking over as the next Doctor, well, if or when they do choose someone, they would have to be totally different to David - which I am." Based on his comments about the Christmas special, however, I doubt he will be. (Note that they contain what might be termed spoilers.) Apparently some papers are reporting that Colin Salmon has been cast in the part, but I've not seen that covered anywhere.
New Defiance Poster by Emily Phillips
(from Empire Online)
Ooh, don't they look defiant?
Rickrolling: Rick Astley named Best Act Ever at the MTV Europe Music Awards by Matthew Moore
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
"lol".
Sam Mendes Talks Preacher by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
"This is a typical Variety announcement," says Mendes "'Mendes to direct Preacher' – I wish! Basically they should have written, 'Mendes in development with Preacher'. What I’m doing is, I’ve gotta find a script. I’ve just got to get it written." Read on for more info on why Mendes took on the long-gestating project. Also, try Empire's Who the Hell is Preacher? guide, which is thankfully very light on spoilers.
Spielberg And Smith To Remake Oldboy? by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
"Unexpected" is the key word for this one. "We do like it when a project comes out of leftfield – and they don't come much more leftfield than this: Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in talks to direct and star in a remake of Chan-wook Park's belting 2004 revenge thriller, Oldboy... as well as being compelling, bold, and utterly brilliant, Oldboy is the sort of uncompromising, dark thriller that would represent a huge risk for... the most bankable director-star team in the world. Which, if you're wondering, is exactly what Smith and Spielberg represent."
(from Digital Spy)
"As for any talk of me taking over as the next Doctor, well, if or when they do choose someone, they would have to be totally different to David - which I am." Based on his comments about the Christmas special, however, I doubt he will be. (Note that they contain what might be termed spoilers.) Apparently some papers are reporting that Colin Salmon has been cast in the part, but I've not seen that covered anywhere.
New Defiance Poster by Emily Phillips
(from Empire Online)
Ooh, don't they look defiant?
Rickrolling: Rick Astley named Best Act Ever at the MTV Europe Music Awards by Matthew Moore
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
"lol".
Sam Mendes Talks Preacher by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
"This is a typical Variety announcement," says Mendes "'Mendes to direct Preacher' – I wish! Basically they should have written, 'Mendes in development with Preacher'. What I’m doing is, I’ve gotta find a script. I’ve just got to get it written." Read on for more info on why Mendes took on the long-gestating project. Also, try Empire's Who the Hell is Preacher? guide, which is thankfully very light on spoilers.
Spielberg And Smith To Remake Oldboy? by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
"Unexpected" is the key word for this one. "We do like it when a project comes out of leftfield – and they don't come much more leftfield than this: Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in talks to direct and star in a remake of Chan-wook Park's belting 2004 revenge thriller, Oldboy... as well as being compelling, bold, and utterly brilliant, Oldboy is the sort of uncompromising, dark thriller that would represent a huge risk for... the most bankable director-star team in the world. Which, if you're wondering, is exactly what Smith and Spielberg represent."
Thursday, 6 November 2008
TV
8 Out of 10 Cats
7x10 (6/11/08 edition)
An appropriate degree of lambasting the General Public for complaining about things they've not even seen/heard.
Little Dorrit
Part 4 (of 14)
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x06 (6/11/08 edition)
Obviously taped in the wake of the recent BBC scandal, this Buzzcocks did a typically great job of extracting all the humour out of BBC shows needing to 'behave' now.
7x10 (6/11/08 edition)
An appropriate degree of lambasting the General Public for complaining about things they've not even seen/heard.
Little Dorrit
Part 4 (of 14)
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x06 (6/11/08 edition)
Obviously taped in the wake of the recent BBC scandal, this Buzzcocks did a typically great job of extracting all the humour out of BBC shows needing to 'behave' now.
Films
Clockwise (1986)
[#76 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1943)
[#75 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
[#76 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1943)
[#75 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Articles: James Bond
All James Bond-related articles today...
Children banned from cinemas for Bond film as adults demand peace and quiet by Colin Fernandez
(from Mail Online)
Well done, Vue! Very well done indeed. Shame it costs an extra 50p -- though, I'd pay that for the added peace & quiet! -- but at least they're intending to continue the move for some future releases.
'I wanted to make the Bond movie I always wanted to see...' by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
Director Marc Forster has one or two different things to say. For my musing on these endless interviews with the same people, see here.
Just what is the greatest Bond film ever? by Mark Oakley
(from Den of Geek!)
The idea is decent, the criteria intriguing, but the final reasoning weak and most of the conclusions wrong (in my opinion, obviously). It doesn't help that the limited films included make it over a decade out of date! I've been looking at a fair bit of Den of Geek today, and have concluded that it's all round a rather rubbish site.
Michael G. Wilson On Reinventing James Bond by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
The producer discusses the up & down nature of the franchise.
Children banned from cinemas for Bond film as adults demand peace and quiet by Colin Fernandez
(from Mail Online)
Well done, Vue! Very well done indeed. Shame it costs an extra 50p -- though, I'd pay that for the added peace & quiet! -- but at least they're intending to continue the move for some future releases.
'I wanted to make the Bond movie I always wanted to see...' by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
Director Marc Forster has one or two different things to say. For my musing on these endless interviews with the same people, see here.
Just what is the greatest Bond film ever? by Mark Oakley
(from Den of Geek!)
The idea is decent, the criteria intriguing, but the final reasoning weak and most of the conclusions wrong (in my opinion, obviously). It doesn't help that the limited films included make it over a decade out of date! I've been looking at a fair bit of Den of Geek today, and have concluded that it's all round a rather rubbish site.
Michael G. Wilson On Reinventing James Bond by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
The producer discusses the up & down nature of the franchise.
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Articles
Interview with Quantum of Solace Star Daniel Craig by Thomas Leupp
(from ReelzChannel)
There have, obviously, been dozens of interviews with Craig and other QoS-related people of late -- and, with the US release still 9 days away, I seriously doubt we've seen the end of them -- but they always tend to contain one or two answers a little different from the rest. It's also interesting to see what fansites like CommanderBond.net make of them. Their headline for this article was Craig: Creativity And Talent Must Fuel Bond Franchise Future. There's nothing inherent in the actual interview that suggests this is Craig's primary point -- it's one answer among many, about halfway through -- but it must be a bit different to what he's commented on elsewhere for them to feel the need to pull it out.
Michael Crichton Dies Aged 66 by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
"the author of Jurassic Park has died at the age of 66. The enormously popular novelist, who also enjoyed success as a film director, passed away following what his family have called, “a courageous and private battle against cancer”. [Crichton] also created the enormously popular medical drama ER... adapted Robert Wise’s sci-fi thriller, The Andromeda Strain from his own novel, [and directed] Westworld, Coma and The Great Train Robbery... Many of his other novels were also filmed, including Disclosure, Sphere, Congo, and Timeline. In total, his novels sold over 150 million copies worldwide."
Pair of Sequels Planned for Road to Perdition by Scott Weinberg
(from Cinematical)
Road to Perdition is a great film based on a great book, but it's not something you'd necessarily expect sequels to. That said, the involvement of Max Allan Collins, who wrote the original graphic novel and has since penned a sequel, bodes a bit better. This won't form the basis for the sequel films, however, which instead seem to be based on two continuation novels (as in, words no piccies) that Collins wrote.
(from ReelzChannel)
There have, obviously, been dozens of interviews with Craig and other QoS-related people of late -- and, with the US release still 9 days away, I seriously doubt we've seen the end of them -- but they always tend to contain one or two answers a little different from the rest. It's also interesting to see what fansites like CommanderBond.net make of them. Their headline for this article was Craig: Creativity And Talent Must Fuel Bond Franchise Future. There's nothing inherent in the actual interview that suggests this is Craig's primary point -- it's one answer among many, about halfway through -- but it must be a bit different to what he's commented on elsewhere for them to feel the need to pull it out.
Michael Crichton Dies Aged 66 by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire Online)
"the author of Jurassic Park has died at the age of 66. The enormously popular novelist, who also enjoyed success as a film director, passed away following what his family have called, “a courageous and private battle against cancer”. [Crichton] also created the enormously popular medical drama ER... adapted Robert Wise’s sci-fi thriller, The Andromeda Strain from his own novel, [and directed] Westworld, Coma and The Great Train Robbery... Many of his other novels were also filmed, including Disclosure, Sphere, Congo, and Timeline. In total, his novels sold over 150 million copies worldwide."
Pair of Sequels Planned for Road to Perdition by Scott Weinberg
(from Cinematical)
Road to Perdition is a great film based on a great book, but it's not something you'd necessarily expect sequels to. That said, the involvement of Max Allan Collins, who wrote the original graphic novel and has since penned a sequel, bodes a bit better. This won't form the basis for the sequel films, however, which instead seem to be based on two continuation novels (as in, words no piccies) that Collins wrote.
British currency, re-designed
Did you know they've redesigned all the coins in use in the UK? I didn't. I feel I should have. This is the first time British coinage has been redesigned since decimalisation almost 40 years ago!
They're a bit too modern-looking for my taste. I seriously doubt it'll be 40 years before they change again.
They're a bit too modern-looking for my taste. I seriously doubt it'll be 40 years before they change again.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
TV
Stephen Fry in America
Part 4 Mountains and Plains
Marvellous as ever. It's a wonderful mix of intelligence, wit, and boyish glee.
Part 4 Mountains and Plains
Marvellous as ever. It's a wonderful mix of intelligence, wit, and boyish glee.
Fiction
Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again by Frank Miller & Lynn Varley
Book Three [the end]
Finally found a chance to finish this. The concluding part is better and more coherent than the others, but still suffers from Miller's over-simplistic over-large art, as well as bunging in a ludicrous number of things from the DC universe that he assumes you'll just know. A comic for comic geeks, then, and as weak as those usually are. Be sure to read The Dark Knight Returns (it's really brilliant), but skip this.
Book Three [the end]
Finally found a chance to finish this. The concluding part is better and more coherent than the others, but still suffers from Miller's over-simplistic over-large art, as well as bunging in a ludicrous number of things from the DC universe that he assumes you'll just know. A comic for comic geeks, then, and as weak as those usually are. Be sure to read The Dark Knight Returns (it's really brilliant), but skip this.
Articles
Outnumbered returns to BBC One
(from the BBC Press Office)
Hurray! Bring on November 15th I say.
Review of Executive Koala DVD by Kevin Gilvear
(from DVD Times)
This sounds wonderfully loopy. I mean, just look at that title, and consider that it's live action! Fabulous.
Tuesday Link-a-Mania by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
A few years ago, the BBC produced a two-part drama called Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets, a near-future sci-fi in which a spaceship set out to explore the solar system. It was one of them drama-documentary things, designed to educate about the solar system, but one suspects writer-director Joe Ahearne (of Ultraviolet, Doctor Who, and next week's new BBC One series Apparitions) was more interested in the dramatic potential of the thing. And quite right too -- it's a fab idea (you should check it out on DVD). So I'm exceedingly pleased to learn that the BBC, US's Fox, and companies from Canada and Germany, are teaming up to do a 13-part version. Its plot is described as "eight astronauts from five countries who take on a mysterious six-year mission through the solar system", but is unclear if all six years are in those 13 eps or if they hope it'll run for six years. Either way's good by me. It's called Defying Gravity, which is a crap title so hopefully they'll think of something better.
Also on that link: The Dark Knight nearly breaks $1bn; Joss Whedon discusses more projects in the Dr Horrible vein; Heroes gets simple; and something about Planet of the Apes. Who'd've thought one news item could contain so many interesting bits?
(from the BBC Press Office)
Hurray! Bring on November 15th I say.
Review of Executive Koala DVD by Kevin Gilvear
(from DVD Times)
This sounds wonderfully loopy. I mean, just look at that title, and consider that it's live action! Fabulous.
Tuesday Link-a-Mania by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
A few years ago, the BBC produced a two-part drama called Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets, a near-future sci-fi in which a spaceship set out to explore the solar system. It was one of them drama-documentary things, designed to educate about the solar system, but one suspects writer-director Joe Ahearne (of Ultraviolet, Doctor Who, and next week's new BBC One series Apparitions) was more interested in the dramatic potential of the thing. And quite right too -- it's a fab idea (you should check it out on DVD). So I'm exceedingly pleased to learn that the BBC, US's Fox, and companies from Canada and Germany, are teaming up to do a 13-part version. Its plot is described as "eight astronauts from five countries who take on a mysterious six-year mission through the solar system", but is unclear if all six years are in those 13 eps or if they hope it'll run for six years. Either way's good by me. It's called Defying Gravity, which is a crap title so hopefully they'll think of something better.
Also on that link: The Dark Knight nearly breaks $1bn; Joss Whedon discusses more projects in the Dr Horrible vein; Heroes gets simple; and something about Planet of the Apes. Who'd've thought one news item could contain so many interesting bits?
Monday, 3 November 2008
TV
Argumental
1x02 (3/11/08 edition)
The Graham Norton Show
4x05 (30/10/08 edition, uncut repeat)
The Sarah Jane Adventures
2x06 Secrets of the Stars Part Two
Spooks
7x02 Split Loyalties
1x02 (3/11/08 edition)
The Graham Norton Show
4x05 (30/10/08 edition, uncut repeat)
The Sarah Jane Adventures
2x06 Secrets of the Stars Part Two
Spooks
7x02 Split Loyalties
Music
Roar! (Theme from Cloverfield) by Michael Giacchino
This is a great track, I highly recommend it. You can get it from iTunes -- all 12 minutes and 17 seconds for just 79p -- here.
This is a great track, I highly recommend it. You can get it from iTunes -- all 12 minutes and 17 seconds for just 79p -- here.
Articles
Christopher Nolan on Dark Knight and its box-office billion: 'It's mystifying to me'
and
Christopher Nolan revisits and analyzes his favorite scene in Dark Knight
and
Christopher Nolan says his Batman doesn't play well with others by Geoff Boucher
(from Hero Complex at Los Angeles Times Blogs)
A very exclusive, in-depth, three-part interview with the director of Batman Begins and (more pertinently) The Dark Knight.
Coppola's slow boat on the Nung by Gordon Coates
(from guardian.co.uk)
Quite simply, "Gordon Coates on the five-hour Apocalypse Now". That would be the workprint, long available as a bootleg, that -- depending on who you believe -- is anywhere from 289 to 330 minutes long. (Incidentally, the information that the film is an 18 is out of date -- the Redux was classified at 15 in 2001, and while the original (shorter) cut received an 18 in 2004 (what's that about eh?), all the materials on the recent DVD release -- which includes both cuts of the film -- were collectively rated 15.)
Quantum of Solace Grabs #1 Spot At International Box Office by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"the 007 film earned £15.7 million ($25.3 million) over the weekend" -- beating estimates by over $4 million, and "becoming the biggest three-day opening ever in the UK, surpassing Casino Royale’s equally impressive box office debut by 35%. [From] the UK, France and Sweden, [it] grossed a spectacular $38.6 million... ‘No other international release in 2008 has grossed more [playing in] fewer than 27 territories,’ said Mark Zucker, Sony’s president of international distribution." Super. From a different article: "Six movies can claim bigger UK openings than Quantum of Solace, but all achieved their grosses with the addition of paid previews, typically from the weekend prior and/or days immediately before their official opening."
Quantum of Solace opens around most of the world in the next two weeks, most significantly in the US on November 14th. Look here for a weekly-updated summary of its worldwide box office.
and
Christopher Nolan revisits and analyzes his favorite scene in Dark Knight
and
Christopher Nolan says his Batman doesn't play well with others by Geoff Boucher
(from Hero Complex at Los Angeles Times Blogs)
A very exclusive, in-depth, three-part interview with the director of Batman Begins and (more pertinently) The Dark Knight.
Coppola's slow boat on the Nung by Gordon Coates
(from guardian.co.uk)
Quite simply, "Gordon Coates on the five-hour Apocalypse Now". That would be the workprint, long available as a bootleg, that -- depending on who you believe -- is anywhere from 289 to 330 minutes long. (Incidentally, the information that the film is an 18 is out of date -- the Redux was classified at 15 in 2001, and while the original (shorter) cut received an 18 in 2004 (what's that about eh?), all the materials on the recent DVD release -- which includes both cuts of the film -- were collectively rated 15.)
Quantum of Solace Grabs #1 Spot At International Box Office by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"the 007 film earned £15.7 million ($25.3 million) over the weekend" -- beating estimates by over $4 million, and "becoming the biggest three-day opening ever in the UK, surpassing Casino Royale’s equally impressive box office debut by 35%. [From] the UK, France and Sweden, [it] grossed a spectacular $38.6 million... ‘No other international release in 2008 has grossed more [playing in] fewer than 27 territories,’ said Mark Zucker, Sony’s president of international distribution." Super. From a different article: "Six movies can claim bigger UK openings than Quantum of Solace, but all achieved their grosses with the addition of paid previews, typically from the weekend prior and/or days immediately before their official opening."
Quantum of Solace opens around most of the world in the next two weeks, most significantly in the US on November 14th. Look here for a weekly-updated summary of its worldwide box office.
Sunday, 2 November 2008
TV
The Sarah Jane Adventures
2x05 Secrets of the Stars Part One
Sharpe
7x01 Sharpe's Peril Part 1
Spooks
7x01 New Allegiances
A sneaky bit of PR in the run up to this series means that the opening episode regains Spooks' ability to be genuinely surprising, something that went increasingly awry as the show became increasingly far-fetched.
Top Gear
12x01 (2/11/08 edition)
Absolutely hilarious, as usual.
2x05 Secrets of the Stars Part One
Sharpe
7x01 Sharpe's Peril Part 1
Spooks
7x01 New Allegiances
A sneaky bit of PR in the run up to this series means that the opening episode regains Spooks' ability to be genuinely surprising, something that went increasingly awry as the show became increasingly far-fetched.
Top Gear
12x01 (2/11/08 edition)
Absolutely hilarious, as usual.
Films
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince International Trailer
Not officially released yet, though this is surprisingly good quality for a leak. Anyhow, it looks like it could be quite good. Order of the Phoenix (that was the last one) was well directed by David Yates (who returns for Half-Blood Prince, as well as the final two films, Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2) but let down by a script that sometimes felt like a very long "Previously on Harry Potter..." recap of the novel. That was written by a different screenwriter though -- hopefully the return of Steve Kloves means something more akin to Goblet of Fire (that was the fourth one), which managed to abbreviate the lengthy novel sensibly.
Valkyrie Trailer
Looks pretty dismal if you ask me.
Not officially released yet, though this is surprisingly good quality for a leak. Anyhow, it looks like it could be quite good. Order of the Phoenix (that was the last one) was well directed by David Yates (who returns for Half-Blood Prince, as well as the final two films, Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2) but let down by a script that sometimes felt like a very long "Previously on Harry Potter..." recap of the novel. That was written by a different screenwriter though -- hopefully the return of Steve Kloves means something more akin to Goblet of Fire (that was the fourth one), which managed to abbreviate the lengthy novel sensibly.
Valkyrie Trailer
Looks pretty dismal if you ask me.
Articles
Comic Book Virgin: Watching the Watchmen
and
The Comic Book Virgin Reads Watchmen, both by Isabelle Burtan
(from Newsarama.com)
Someone who's never read a comic, never mind Watchmen, sees the film's trailer for the first time (some of her guesses are amusingly wrong if you know the story), and then reads the novel itself. Be warned that her thoughts on the later contain a considerable number of spoilers. Other than that, they're quite interesting.
Neil Gaiman exclusive! Part 1 & Part 2 by Jayne Nelson
(from SFX)
Personally, I didn't get a great deal from part one, but part two was nice. (For part three, see here.)
Okay, I've Read Watchmen. What's Next? by Dusty Harbin
(from Newsarama.com)
Who'd've thought something as dense as Watchmen could be a 'gateway drug' to the medium? But it seems it is, and has seen some simply amazing sales since the trailer debuted. Here, a comic shop owner succinctly (read: short article) gives some useful suggestions on where to look next.
and
The Comic Book Virgin Reads Watchmen, both by Isabelle Burtan
(from Newsarama.com)
Someone who's never read a comic, never mind Watchmen, sees the film's trailer for the first time (some of her guesses are amusingly wrong if you know the story), and then reads the novel itself. Be warned that her thoughts on the later contain a considerable number of spoilers. Other than that, they're quite interesting.
Neil Gaiman exclusive! Part 1 & Part 2 by Jayne Nelson
(from SFX)
Personally, I didn't get a great deal from part one, but part two was nice. (For part three, see here.)
Okay, I've Read Watchmen. What's Next? by Dusty Harbin
(from Newsarama.com)
Who'd've thought something as dense as Watchmen could be a 'gateway drug' to the medium? But it seems it is, and has seen some simply amazing sales since the trailer debuted. Here, a comic shop owner succinctly (read: short article) gives some useful suggestions on where to look next.
Saturday, 1 November 2008
TV
Have I Got News For You
36x03 (31/10/08 edition; extended repeat)
Even more Bakery madness and jokes about this week's news.
Heroes
3x05 Angels and Monsters
Merlin
1x07 The Gates of Avalon
All dialogue © The Great Big Book of Clichéd Fantasy Dialogue.
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
2x08 (1/11/08 edition) [season finale]
36x03 (31/10/08 edition; extended repeat)
Even more Bakery madness and jokes about this week's news.
Heroes
3x05 Angels and Monsters
Merlin
1x07 The Gates of Avalon
All dialogue © The Great Big Book of Clichéd Fantasy Dialogue.
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
2x08 (1/11/08 edition) [season finale]
Articles
Mamma Mia! breaks UK film record
(from BBC News)
I'm not convinced by the stats in this story. Why are Harry Potter films included and Bond films not? Both are funded by US studios as much / more so than anything British. If Bond was included, Casino Royale would place 3rd on that chart.
Michael G. Wilson: Bond 23 Work To Begin Early Next Year by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
The new one's barely out, but it's time to talk about the next! "Last time when we were in post production on Casino Royale we were already working on Quantum of Solace. This time we haven’t started, but in January we are going to get some writers together and start kicking some ideas around."
Nolan dismisses Superman crossover by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Thank goodness! That's not to stop DC doing it anyway, of course.
Quantum of Solace Sets Box Office Record In UK by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"Quantum of Solace got off to a momentous start in the UK yesterday with a stuning $8 million (£4.94 million) debut -- the biggest Friday opening of all time in the UK. In comparison, the previous record holder was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which had a $6.5 million (£4 million) opening. Along with Thursday previews, Casino Royale managed $4.7 in its opening day." It's like The Dark Knight all over again... only on a much smaller scale...
Roger's little rule book by Roger Ebert
(from Roger Ebert's Journal at the Chicago Sun-Times)
Wise words and sage advice (there's not one in there about cliches) from one of the world's most respected film critics.
S. Darko actor defends movie by Michael Thornton
(from Digital Spy)
"Jackson Rathbone said that the [Donnie Darko] sequel, which is released next year, "goes beyond" the idea of the original film, insisting that it should not be simply dismissed as a cash-in." We'll see, eh? "S. Darko is set seven years after the original film and tells the story of Donnie's little sister Samantha and her friend Corey, who experience bizarre visions on a road trip to Los Angeles."
Wahlberg's Daughter Loves Seeing Him In Pain
(from WENN)
Funny story.
(from BBC News)
I'm not convinced by the stats in this story. Why are Harry Potter films included and Bond films not? Both are funded by US studios as much / more so than anything British. If Bond was included, Casino Royale would place 3rd on that chart.
Michael G. Wilson: Bond 23 Work To Begin Early Next Year by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
The new one's barely out, but it's time to talk about the next! "Last time when we were in post production on Casino Royale we were already working on Quantum of Solace. This time we haven’t started, but in January we are going to get some writers together and start kicking some ideas around."
Nolan dismisses Superman crossover by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Thank goodness! That's not to stop DC doing it anyway, of course.
Quantum of Solace Sets Box Office Record In UK by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"Quantum of Solace got off to a momentous start in the UK yesterday with a stuning $8 million (£4.94 million) debut -- the biggest Friday opening of all time in the UK. In comparison, the previous record holder was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which had a $6.5 million (£4 million) opening. Along with Thursday previews, Casino Royale managed $4.7 in its opening day." It's like The Dark Knight all over again... only on a much smaller scale...
Roger's little rule book by Roger Ebert
(from Roger Ebert's Journal at the Chicago Sun-Times)
Wise words and sage advice (there's not one in there about cliches) from one of the world's most respected film critics.
S. Darko actor defends movie by Michael Thornton
(from Digital Spy)
"Jackson Rathbone said that the [Donnie Darko] sequel, which is released next year, "goes beyond" the idea of the original film, insisting that it should not be simply dismissed as a cash-in." We'll see, eh? "S. Darko is set seven years after the original film and tells the story of Donnie's little sister Samantha and her friend Corey, who experience bizarre visions on a road trip to Los Angeles."
Wahlberg's Daughter Loves Seeing Him In Pain
(from WENN)
Funny story.
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