Nightwish's latest is a live CD (plus documentary DVD), including a variety of tracks from their most recent album as performed on their most recent tour. The selections are, shall we say, interesting -- as well as the singles (Bye Bye Beautiful, Amaranth) and centrepiece track (The Poet and the Pendulum) they offer up a couple of songs I can't even remember. In fact, a glance at my iTunes playcounts reveals I've only listened to them twice, as opposed to the decent double-figures of some tracks not included here. It's a shame, to say the least.
Arguably the most notable omission is Eva, which was the first single released featuring the group's new frontwoman, Anette Olzon. Talking of Olzon, while she was fine on the album she seems a bit weak live, leaving a few songs sounding decent but not as good as their studio counterparts. Those with male lead vocalists, or instrumental track Last of the Wilds, seem to transfer best.
The album is pushed up to 66-minute running time by the inclusion of some B-sides (and one new demo version). A nice inclusion for some, I'm sure, but in the days when individual tracks are easily acquired by digital download, any band/company which does this begins to seem a tad greedy, as fans will surely have got hold of these tracks already (I know I had). To be fair, it does no harm them being there if the alternative was blank space, but equally it could've been used for some more live cuts.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
The Pope wants Africans to die of AIDS
Pope says condoms are not the solution to Aids - they make it worse by Richard Owen
(from Times Online)
Yeah, helpful.
(from Times Online)
The Pope courted further controversy on his first trip to Africa today by declaring that condoms were not a solution to the Aids epidemic – but were instead part of the problem.
Yeah, helpful.
Monday, 16 March 2009
TV
Horne & Corden
1x01 Episode 1
Varying degrees of funniness, just like most sketch shows. Not a failure then, but not yet a success. We shall see...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Law & Order: UK
1x04 Unsafe
Nothing like as bad as the Radio Times try to make out. In fact, after expressing his support for this week's villain, I'm slightly concerned for the mental state of RT's review...
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
1x01 Episode 1
Varying degrees of funniness, just like most sketch shows. Not a failure then, but not yet a success. We shall see...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Law & Order: UK
1x04 Unsafe
Nothing like as bad as the Radio Times try to make out. In fact, after expressing his support for this week's villain, I'm slightly concerned for the mental state of RT's review...
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Articles
100 Things More Popular Than Twitter by Nicholas Carlson
(from Silicon Alley Insider at The Business Insider)
Twitter's received a huge spike in popularity of late. Here's a dose of reality, reminding us that it doesn't rule the world. Yet.
The Big Writing FAQ by James Moran
(from the pen is mightier than the spork)
James Moran -- writer of the movie Severance and episodes of Doctor Who, Torchwood, and other things -- gives advice on how to break into the industry and a bit about what being a writer is like. There are no magic solutions here, but there is truth.
Google Earth used by thief to pinpoint buildings with valuable lead roofs
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
Yes, it's crime; but it's funny crime.
K9 and Co by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
Oh no, poor K9 -- what have they done to you?
(from Silicon Alley Insider at The Business Insider)
Twitter's received a huge spike in popularity of late. Here's a dose of reality, reminding us that it doesn't rule the world. Yet.
The Big Writing FAQ by James Moran
(from the pen is mightier than the spork)
James Moran -- writer of the movie Severance and episodes of Doctor Who, Torchwood, and other things -- gives advice on how to break into the industry and a bit about what being a writer is like. There are no magic solutions here, but there is truth.
Google Earth used by thief to pinpoint buildings with valuable lead roofs
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
Yes, it's crime; but it's funny crime.
K9 and Co by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
Oh no, poor K9 -- what have they done to you?
Sunday, 15 March 2009
TV
The Graham Norton Show
5x01 (5/3/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Yep, that's it for today.
5x01 (5/3/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Yep, that's it for today.
1984 gets closer every day...
The New Book Banning
Children’s books burn, courtesy of the federal government...
It’s hard to believe, but true: under a law Congress passed last year aimed at regulating hazards in children’s products, the federal government has now advised that children’s books published before 1985 should not be considered safe and may in many cases be unlawful to sell or distribute.
It really is as shocking as that sounds. For the full story, look here.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
TV
Comic Relief: Funny For Money
There was some good stuff post-midnight. Not that I can really remember what happened when now...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Let's Dance for Comic Relief
Episode 4 (of 4)
Webb won! It's only right.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mad Men
2x03 The Benefactor
QI
6x11 Film (extended edition)
I got several right! This may be a first. Also, brilliance from Emma Thompson.
[Watch the standard edition on iPlayer.]
There was some good stuff post-midnight. Not that I can really remember what happened when now...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Let's Dance for Comic Relief
Episode 4 (of 4)
Webb won! It's only right.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mad Men
2x03 The Benefactor
QI
6x11 Film (extended edition)
I got several right! This may be a first. Also, brilliance from Emma Thompson.
[Watch the standard edition on iPlayer.]
Friday, 13 March 2009
TV
Comic Relief: Funny For Money
This being most of Red Nose Day 2009 (as it goes on after midnight, it'll be here again tomorrow).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
This being most of Red Nose Day 2009 (as it goes on after midnight, it'll be here again tomorrow).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
The Lunch Date (1990)
[#9a in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Oscar-winning short film. It's brilliant.
Watchmen (2009)
[2nd watch]
Still love it.
[#9a in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Oscar-winning short film. It's brilliant.
Watchmen (2009)
[2nd watch]
Still love it.
Poem of the Week: Ozymandias
aka On A Stupendous Leg of Granite, Discovered Standing by Itself in the Deserts of Egypt, with the Inscription Inserted Below
by Horace Smith
As detailed last Friday, I've had this poetic pair lined up since November to tie in with the cinema release of Watchmen. It was great, wasn't it? What do you mean you've not seen it yet?
Anyway, here's the second of the pair:
Again as explained before, this was written in 1817 (published sometime in early 1818) as part of a writing competition with Smith's friend, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Shelley's poem is well-remembered and quoted; Smith's is now mainly known as a footnote. Poor guy.
Next week, no more tenuously-linked-to-new-releases poetry. Promise. (It's explicitly linked instead.)
by Horace Smith
As detailed last Friday, I've had this poetic pair lined up since November to tie in with the cinema release of Watchmen. It was great, wasn't it? What do you mean you've not seen it yet?
Anyway, here's the second of the pair:
In Egypt's sandy silence, all alone,
Stands a gigantic Leg, which far off throws
The only shadow that the Desert knows --
"I am great OZYMANDIAS," saith the stone,
"The King of Kings; this mighty City shows
"The wonders of my hand."-- The City's gone,--
Nought but the Leg remaining to disclose
The site of this forgotten Babylon.
We wonder,-- and some Hunter may express
Wonder like ours, when thro' the wilderness
Where London stood, holding the Wolf in chace,
He meets some fragment huge, and stops to guess
What powerful but unrecorded race
Once dwelt in that annihilated place.
Again as explained before, this was written in 1817 (published sometime in early 1818) as part of a writing competition with Smith's friend, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Shelley's poem is well-remembered and quoted; Smith's is now mainly known as a footnote. Poor guy.
Next week, no more tenuously-linked-to-new-releases poetry. Promise. (It's explicitly linked instead.)
Thursday, 12 March 2009
TV
Comic Relief Does the Apprentice
Well, I wanted a Swap Belt. And how horrid was Patsy Palmer? She came across incredibly badly, walking out on a charity event because she felt personally insulted and all but saying to someone, "who are you to talk to me like that? I'm famous and you're nobody" (the first half she did say). Bitchy, selfish and egotistical.
Tune in to tomorrow's concluding few minutes (shown during the main Comic Relief event) to see who gets fired. Not that it matters one jot.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Kilimanjaro: The Big Red Nose Climb
An impressive feat, and they've done very well for charity. Only half watched because, if I'm honest, I don't care that much about any of the people who took part. Though there was a funny bit with Gary Barlow and Chris Moyles almost-discussing Take That songs (Moyles actually being funny?! I was shocked too).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Well, I wanted a Swap Belt. And how horrid was Patsy Palmer? She came across incredibly badly, walking out on a charity event because she felt personally insulted and all but saying to someone, "who are you to talk to me like that? I'm famous and you're nobody" (the first half she did say). Bitchy, selfish and egotistical.
Tune in to tomorrow's concluding few minutes (shown during the main Comic Relief event) to see who gets fired. Not that it matters one jot.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Kilimanjaro: The Big Red Nose Climb
An impressive feat, and they've done very well for charity. Only half watched because, if I'm honest, I don't care that much about any of the people who took part. Though there was a funny bit with Gary Barlow and Chris Moyles almost-discussing Take That songs (Moyles actually being funny?! I was shocked too).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Websites
Jon Hamm (from Mad Men) stars as Lex Luthor in this recession-based spoof. Apparently it's web-exclusive, which surely makes getting a TV star quite impressive.
It's not actually that funny (well, maybe it is to Superman fans...), but is notable for the above reason.
It's not actually that funny (well, maybe it is to Superman fans...), but is notable for the above reason.
"Lex Luthor Bailout" with Jon Hamm - watch more funny videos
Hunt for the Special Red Dwarf SFX Covers
To celebrate the long-awaited return of Red Dwarf to satellite channel Dave, SFX has hidden 50 highly collectable Red Dwarf editions amongst copies on the newsstand.
Alongside the regular Doctor Who cover for SFX’s April issue, fans of Red Dwarf and SFX readers are in with a chance of finding one of 50 copies with a Red Dwarf cover.
For the full story -- including how this is related to the specials themselves -- look here.
Chances of actually finding one? Very, very slim. Though if you live in London I'd bet they're massively higher.
Tuesday's updates
As well as Wednesday's updates going up on time, Tuesday's are now online too. They include...
TV - Lark Rise and orangutans.
Non-Fiction - more about poetry.
Articles - including fantastic Watchmen LEGO!
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
TV
Damages
2x04 Hey! Mr Pibb
Purcell is switching sides more often than a tennis ball! Some potentially huge logic holes in this week's episode, but with nine still to go there's plenty of time for those to be filled.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mad Men
2x02 Flight 1
Some answers already. The key word being "some".
2x04 Hey! Mr Pibb
Purcell is switching sides more often than a tennis ball! Some potentially huge logic holes in this week's episode, but with nine still to go there's plenty of time for those to be filled.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mad Men
2x02 Flight 1
Some answers already. The key word being "some".
Articles: Watchmen
Once again, there's only one topic in today's articles -- Watchmen, of course. Today's lot are primarily aimed at fans of the book...
Easter Eggs (And Missing Parts) In Watchmen's Titles by Meredith Woerner
(from io9)
Any chance to admire the amazing title sequence is a good one. There's also mention of some tableaus that had to be cut -- fingers crossed the turn up in the Director's Cut!
Watchmen Director Explains His Favorite Additions & Subtractions From The Comic Book by Rick Marshall
(from MTV Splash Page)
To be honest, some of these changes and omissions I hadn't even noticed!
What If Stan Lee Wrote The Watchmen Comic Books? by Brian Warmoth
(from MTV Splash Page)
A funny idea, but rather reliant on a familiarity with Stan Lee's writing style -- something I don't have, unfortunately.
And don't forget screenwriter David Hayter's open letter to fans, which you can read here.
Easter Eggs (And Missing Parts) In Watchmen's Titles by Meredith Woerner
(from io9)
Any chance to admire the amazing title sequence is a good one. There's also mention of some tableaus that had to be cut -- fingers crossed the turn up in the Director's Cut!
Watchmen Director Explains His Favorite Additions & Subtractions From The Comic Book by Rick Marshall
(from MTV Splash Page)
To be honest, some of these changes and omissions I hadn't even noticed!
What If Stan Lee Wrote The Watchmen Comic Books? by Brian Warmoth
(from MTV Splash Page)
A funny idea, but rather reliant on a familiarity with Stan Lee's writing style -- something I don't have, unfortunately.
And don't forget screenwriter David Hayter's open letter to fans, which you can read here.
An Open Letter From Watchmen Screenwriter David Hayter
You may well have seen this around the web already (most sites seem to have reported on it; the original is here), but it's a well-written piece with an interesting -- and, potentially, important -- message to convey. Go on, give it a read:
Personally, I was always going to see Watchmen again on the big screen at some point, though I probably would've gone the middle of next week before I read this. Now, Friday afternoon is looking good again...
[In the unlikely event you don't get any/all of Hayter's references, I'll be fully linking this up later.]
AN OPEN LETTER FROM A WATCHMEN SCREENWRITER
So it has been five months since I saw my first rough cut of Watchmen, and eight days since the premiere of the film I've been working on since late in the year 2000.
The reviews are out -- Some outstanding, others rankly dismissive, which can be frustrating for the people involved, (though I can only speak for myself,) because I firmly believe that Watchmen, the novel, must be read through more than once to even have the faintest grip on it. And I believe the film is the same.
I've seen it twice now, and despite having run the movie in my head thousands of times, my two viewings still don’t' allow me to view the film with the proper distance or objectivity. Is it Apocalypse Now? Is it Blade Runner? Is it Kubrick, or Starship Troopers? I don’t know yet.
All I know is that I had a pretty amazing experience the two times I've seen it. And both viewings produced remarkably different experiences. The point is, I have listened for years, to complaints from true comic book fans, that "not enough movies take the source material seriously." "Too many movies puss out," or "They change great stories, just to be commercial." Well, I f***ing dare you to say any one of those things about this movie.
This is a movie made by fans, for fans. Hundreds of people put in years of their lives to make this movie happen, and every one of them was insanely committed to retaining the integrity of this amazing, epic tale. This is a rare success story, bordering on the impossible, and every studio in town is watching to see if it will work. Hell, most of them own a piece of the movie.
So look, this is a note to the fanboys and fangirls. The true believers. Dedicated for life.
If the film made you think. Or argue with your friends. If it inspired a debate about the nature of man, or vigilante justice, or the horror of Nixon abolishing term limits. If you laughed at Bowie hanging with Adrian at Studio 54, or the Silhouette kissing that nurse.
Please go see the movie again next weekend.
You have to understand, everyone is watching to see how the film will do in its second week. If you care about movies that have a brain, or balls, (and this film's got both, literally), or true adaptations -- And if you're thinking of seeing it again anyway, please go back this weekend, Friday or Saturday night. Demonstrate the power of the fans, because it'll help let the people who pay for these movies know what we'd like to see. Because if it drops off the radar after the first weekend, they will never allow a film like this to be made again.
In the interests of full disclosure, let me also point out that I do not profit one cent from an increase in box office, although an increase in box office can add to the value of the writers' eventual residual profits from dvd and tv sales.
But I'm not saying it for money. I'm saying it for people like me. I'm saying it for people who love smart, dark entertainment, on a grand, operatic scale. I'm talking to the Snake fans, the Rorschach fans, the people of the Dark Knight.
And hey, if you hated the film, if you think we committed atrocities, or literary mistakes of a massive, cephalopodic nature. If the movie made you a little sick to your stomach, or made you feel bad about your life. If you hated it for whatever reason, that's cool too. I'm not suggesting you risk gastro-intestinal distress just for the sake of risky filmmaking.
But if you haven't seen it yet? Well, I'll just say this...
It may upset you. And it probably will upset you.
And all along, we really meant it to.
Because face it. All this time...You there, with the Smiley-face pin. Admit it.
All this time, you’ve been waiting for a director who was going to hit you in the face with this story. To just crack you in the jaw, and then bend you over the pool table with this story. With its utterly raw view of the darkest sides of human nature, expressed through its masks of action and beauty and twisted good intentions. Like a fry-basket full of hot grease in the face. Like the Comedian on the Grassy Knoll. I know, I know...
You say you don't like it. You say you've got issues. I get it.
And yet... You'll be thinking about this film, down the road. It'll nag at you. How it was rough and beautiful. How it went where it wanted to go, and you just hung on. How it was thoughtful and hateful and bleak and hilarious. And for Jackie Earle Haley.
Trust me. You'll come back, eventually. Just like Sally.
Might as well make it count for something.
Personally, I was always going to see Watchmen again on the big screen at some point, though I probably would've gone the middle of next week before I read this. Now, Friday afternoon is looking good again...
[In the unlikely event you don't get any/all of Hayter's references, I'll be fully linking this up later.]
Delay
The usual variety of updates will appear for Tuesday, but unfortunately I'm too busy to sort them this evening.
Expect them tomorrow, then, though they will still be dated for Tuesday night.
Expect them tomorrow, then, though they will still be dated for Tuesday night.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
TV
Lark Rise to Candleford
2x09 Episode 9
By turns hilarious for good reasons (Minnie!) and hilarious for bad reasons (the sickening sentiment, such as when the two villages make up).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Orangutan Diary
2x02 Episode 2 [2nd half]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x09 Episode 9
By turns hilarious for good reasons (Minnie!) and hilarious for bad reasons (the sickening sentiment, such as when the two villages make up).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Orangutan Diary
2x02 Episode 2 [2nd half]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Non-Fiction
101 Sonnets edited by Don Paterson
Introduction
The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry
Chapter Three: II-X (selections from)
Having to jump ahead, I'm afraid, in order to find bits relevant to the essay I was writing. Will resume normal service shortly.
Introduction
The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry
Chapter Three: II-X (selections from)
Having to jump ahead, I'm afraid, in order to find bits relevant to the essay I was writing. Will resume normal service shortly.
Articles
7 Films That Must Be Saved From Development Hell by James White
(from Total Film)
I'm not convinced they all deserving saving, but some sound crackin'.
6 Unforgettable Opening Credits Sequences by James White
(from Total Film)
Several good choices, several key omissions.
Alex Proyas Describes How He Would Treat Dark City Sequel by Brian Warmoth
(from MTV Movies Blog)
Dark City is amazing and massively underrated. Consequently, a sequel would be amazing.
Eurovision bans Georgia's anti-Putin song by Leigh Holmwood
(from guardian.co.uk)
Shame.
LEGO Watchmen minifigs by Sir Nadroj by Andrew
(from The Brothers Brick)
I wish these were real. I want them.
Times fails to overturn 'internet publication rule' in court case by Afua Hirsch
(from guardian.co.uk)
Bloody Europe, meddling to ill effect again.
(from Total Film)
I'm not convinced they all deserving saving, but some sound crackin'.
6 Unforgettable Opening Credits Sequences by James White
(from Total Film)
Several good choices, several key omissions.
Alex Proyas Describes How He Would Treat Dark City Sequel by Brian Warmoth
(from MTV Movies Blog)
Dark City is amazing and massively underrated. Consequently, a sequel would be amazing.
Eurovision bans Georgia's anti-Putin song by Leigh Holmwood
(from guardian.co.uk)
Shame.
LEGO Watchmen minifigs by Sir Nadroj by Andrew
(from The Brothers Brick)
I wish these were real. I want them.
Times fails to overturn 'internet publication rule' in court case by Afua Hirsch
(from guardian.co.uk)
Bloody Europe, meddling to ill effect again.
Monday, 9 March 2009
TV
Law & Order: UK
1x03 Vice
A rather good episode, though it's somewhat worrying how 'rape victims' in dramas are almost always faking it. I'm sure it seems like a good twist to the writers, but it does little to support real life rape cases (in which it is already near impossible to earn a conviction).
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Orangutan Diary
2x02 Episode 2 [1st half]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x03 Vice
A rather good episode, though it's somewhat worrying how 'rape victims' in dramas are almost always faking it. I'm sure it seems like a good twist to the writers, but it does little to support real life rape cases (in which it is already near impossible to earn a conviction).
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Orangutan Diary
2x02 Episode 2 [1st half]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Fiction
The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories by Tim Burton
This falls into Poetry as much as Fiction: its a selection of narrative poems by film director Tim Burton, of varying length and able to be slotted into the nonsense tradition. All are written poetically, though one would describe his observance of form as lax at best -- even when he seems to be fitting a loose style, he frequently breaks it. While that's theoretically fine, most of the pieces read very rhythmically; some of his breaks actually support the rhythm, others shatter it.
My personal favourite was Anchor Baby -- it has a couple of serious flaws, but is otherwise brilliant. Stain Boy was also good. The titular tale is possibly the darkest of the lot, belying (as many do) the child-like nursery-rhyme style of the Burton's verse. But then, most of the best children's tales are, in their original form, surprisingly dark.
Perhaps the biggest flaw is Burton's tendency to repeat himself; not just with plots (they almost exclusively concern children who are born with some bizarre deformity and so remain outsiders -- working through his own childhood, perhaps?) but concepts. For example, there are two pieces about people afflicted by being pin cushions. Others are brief to the point of pointlessness, the prime offender being Jimmy, the Hideous Penguin Boy.
The whole text can be read online for free here. I have no idea if this is a legal copy or not.
This falls into Poetry as much as Fiction: its a selection of narrative poems by film director Tim Burton, of varying length and able to be slotted into the nonsense tradition. All are written poetically, though one would describe his observance of form as lax at best -- even when he seems to be fitting a loose style, he frequently breaks it. While that's theoretically fine, most of the pieces read very rhythmically; some of his breaks actually support the rhythm, others shatter it.
My personal favourite was Anchor Baby -- it has a couple of serious flaws, but is otherwise brilliant. Stain Boy was also good. The titular tale is possibly the darkest of the lot, belying (as many do) the child-like nursery-rhyme style of the Burton's verse. But then, most of the best children's tales are, in their original form, surprisingly dark.
Perhaps the biggest flaw is Burton's tendency to repeat himself; not just with plots (they almost exclusively concern children who are born with some bizarre deformity and so remain outsiders -- working through his own childhood, perhaps?) but concepts. For example, there are two pieces about people afflicted by being pin cushions. Others are brief to the point of pointlessness, the prime offender being Jimmy, the Hideous Penguin Boy.
The whole text can be read online for free here. I have no idea if this is a legal copy or not.
Non-Fiction
The Making of a Poem by Mark Strand & Eavan Boland
The Sonnet (p.55-58)
Blank Verse (p.101-112)
The Heroic Couplet (p.121-134)
IV: Open Forms - Overview (p.259-260)
Another selection of randomised tidbits from this mighty tome. Theoretically in the name of essay writing, but it's actually very interesting -- brief enough to not be boring (unlike its introductions!), but detailed enough to be informative. Also simply explains the rules of writing various poetic forms, which is extremely handy.
The Sonnet (p.55-58)
Blank Verse (p.101-112)
The Heroic Couplet (p.121-134)
IV: Open Forms - Overview (p.259-260)
Another selection of randomised tidbits from this mighty tome. Theoretically in the name of essay writing, but it's actually very interesting -- brief enough to not be boring (unlike its introductions!), but detailed enough to be informative. Also simply explains the rules of writing various poetic forms, which is extremely handy.
Articles
3D TV by Christmas, hints Sky by James Sherwood
(from Register Hardware)
Seriously.
Watchmen Inspired Cocktails
(from Isotope)
Watchmen Takes Top Spot At US Box Office by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire)
I know I reported on this yesterday, but here a few interesting comments:
"Critics of the movie have suggested that the figure [$55.7 million] is something of a disappointment, pointing out that it’s significantly less than the $70 million 300 opened to in the same spot two years ago. But let’s put it all in a little perspective... Although 300 was, like Watchmen, based on a cult comic book, it benefited from a strong marketing campaign which contained an already iconic catchphrase... and a clear delineation of the film’s unique visual style and simple plot: 300 guys versus the world.
"Watchmen’s marketing, although bold and effective, had a harder job of conveying the intricacies of a convoluted plot and multiple characters to an audience that, for the most part, wouldn’t have heard of the source material... Despite that, and despite reviews which ranged from wildly positive to dismissive... it’s the second-highest opening of all time for a DC property, ahead of Batman Begins, Superman Returns and Swamp Thing."
Beating films of that size (if we ignore Swamp Thing, anyway) is certainly nothing to be sniffed at. It's also the biggest opening of 2009 so far and was the top film internationally this weekend ($27.5 million).
(from Register Hardware)
Seriously.
Watchmen Inspired Cocktails
(from Isotope)
Watchmen Takes Top Spot At US Box Office by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire)
I know I reported on this yesterday, but here a few interesting comments:
"Critics of the movie have suggested that the figure [$55.7 million] is something of a disappointment, pointing out that it’s significantly less than the $70 million 300 opened to in the same spot two years ago. But let’s put it all in a little perspective... Although 300 was, like Watchmen, based on a cult comic book, it benefited from a strong marketing campaign which contained an already iconic catchphrase... and a clear delineation of the film’s unique visual style and simple plot: 300 guys versus the world.
"Watchmen’s marketing, although bold and effective, had a harder job of conveying the intricacies of a convoluted plot and multiple characters to an audience that, for the most part, wouldn’t have heard of the source material... Despite that, and despite reviews which ranged from wildly positive to dismissive... it’s the second-highest opening of all time for a DC property, ahead of Batman Begins, Superman Returns and Swamp Thing."
Beating films of that size (if we ignore Swamp Thing, anyway) is certainly nothing to be sniffed at. It's also the biggest opening of 2009 so far and was the top film internationally this weekend ($27.5 million).
Art
TR Non-Review Review: Watchmen
There's a review-ish thing of the film here, but the art's the thing -- in the style of classic, noir-ish movie posters. Sumptuous.
There's a review-ish thing of the film here, but the art's the thing -- in the style of classic, noir-ish movie posters. Sumptuous.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
TV
Mad Men
2x01 For Those Who Think Young
Mad Men's return does its best to be as confusing as can be. Clearly a long time has passed, but this is barely even referenced; in fact, it's only thanks to having read a couple of preview articles that I know the time difference is something like 18 months to 2 years. All part of the fun, I guess -- it's certainly a different way of doing a time leap, when most shows (for example, 24) spend their whole premiere episode at pains to inform you of what's occurred in between.
2x01 For Those Who Think Young
Mad Men's return does its best to be as confusing as can be. Clearly a long time has passed, but this is barely even referenced; in fact, it's only thanks to having read a couple of preview articles that I know the time difference is something like 18 months to 2 years. All part of the fun, I guess -- it's certainly a different way of doing a time leap, when most shows (for example, 24) spend their whole premiere episode at pains to inform you of what's occurred in between.
Non-Fiction
The Making of a Poem by Mark Strand & Eavan Boland
Introductory Statement
On Becoming a Poet by Mark Strand (p.xvii-xx)
I: Verse Forms - Overview (p.1-4)
The Villanelle (p.5-20)
The Ballad (p.73-98)
My reading of "On Becoming a Poet" was cut short because, quite frankly, I got bored. This isn't wholly the article's fault -- as mentioned previously, I'm struggling to get enough work done to finish (and, to be honest, start) an essay, which makes everything feel twice as long and ten times as frustrating -- but I'm not certain it's wholly my fault either... Certainly, I skipped the rest of the introductions (there are three in all, including the one-and-a-half I read) and jumped to more relevant sections.
Have discovered I find it very natural to write ballads -- at last, a form to latch on to for the rest of my work!
Introductory Statement
On Becoming a Poet by Mark Strand (p.xvii-xx)
I: Verse Forms - Overview (p.1-4)
The Villanelle (p.5-20)
The Ballad (p.73-98)
My reading of "On Becoming a Poet" was cut short because, quite frankly, I got bored. This isn't wholly the article's fault -- as mentioned previously, I'm struggling to get enough work done to finish (and, to be honest, start) an essay, which makes everything feel twice as long and ten times as frustrating -- but I'm not certain it's wholly my fault either... Certainly, I skipped the rest of the introductions (there are three in all, including the one-and-a-half I read) and jumped to more relevant sections.
Have discovered I find it very natural to write ballads -- at last, a form to latch on to for the rest of my work!
Articles
Billion Dollar Batman by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
Shame it took so long to get there, as I completely missed this story (it's over two weeks old). Dark Knight is still playing at some sites in the US (and round the world, I presume) so its final tally may even go up a teeny bit more yet, though it seems Warner Bros have stopped counting.
Doctor Who - Skins Actress For New Companion? by Cameron K McEwan
(from Den of Geek!)
It's only from Den of Geek -- and via News of the World at that! -- so don't take it too seriously, but there are worse people they could pick.
Kindle 2 Review: Sheeeyah, More Like Kindle 1.5 by Wilson Rothman
(from Gizmodo)
Amazon have updated the Kindle... not that it matters to us Brits, as they still haven't bothered to bring it over here.
Meanwhile, at the US box office...
Watchmen Busts Out on Opening Day by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
"Watchmen pulled in an estimated $25.1 million... including an estimated $4.55 million from its first midnight shows. That ranks as the eighth-highest grossing opening day for a superhero movie and 32nd among all movies... Among R-rated movies, Watchmen's opening day was fifth behind The Matrix Reloaded, 300, Sex and the City and The Passion of the Christ. 300... holds the overall March record for opening weekend ($70.9 million)."
How will Watchmen have fared over the weekend as a whole? [Well, look below to see! I wrote this last night. But I'll include it for posterity...] Fairly well, I expect; possibly even better than the opening day would suggest, as I wouldn't be surprised if some were put off a Friday-evening showing by the epic running time and will instead have caught it on Saturday or Sunday. Plus, it seems to me that word-of-mouth reaction has been better than the majority of widely-seen reviews, so perhaps it will gain a slightly delayed audience from that. Of course, while it may not be a record-breaker, it's still done rather well!
Weekend Report: Watchmen Rages in the Top Spot by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
"Watchmen clocked in with a vibrant estimated $55.7 million... handily topping a weekend where overall business was up around ten percent over last year but a relative cool down compared to 2009's prior blistering pace. [It] notched the 12th highest-grossing opening weekend for a comic book movie... With the biggest theater count ever for an R-rated movie, Watchmen had the sixth-highest grossing R-rated start... Among Alan Moore adaptations, it doubled the openings of V for Vendetta and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen."
For even more statisticy information, check out the full article.
(from Box Office Mojo)
Shame it took so long to get there, as I completely missed this story (it's over two weeks old). Dark Knight is still playing at some sites in the US (and round the world, I presume) so its final tally may even go up a teeny bit more yet, though it seems Warner Bros have stopped counting.
Doctor Who - Skins Actress For New Companion? by Cameron K McEwan
(from Den of Geek!)
It's only from Den of Geek -- and via News of the World at that! -- so don't take it too seriously, but there are worse people they could pick.
Kindle 2 Review: Sheeeyah, More Like Kindle 1.5 by Wilson Rothman
(from Gizmodo)
Amazon have updated the Kindle... not that it matters to us Brits, as they still haven't bothered to bring it over here.
Meanwhile, at the US box office...
Watchmen Busts Out on Opening Day by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
"Watchmen pulled in an estimated $25.1 million... including an estimated $4.55 million from its first midnight shows. That ranks as the eighth-highest grossing opening day for a superhero movie and 32nd among all movies... Among R-rated movies, Watchmen's opening day was fifth behind The Matrix Reloaded, 300, Sex and the City and The Passion of the Christ. 300... holds the overall March record for opening weekend ($70.9 million)."
How will Watchmen have fared over the weekend as a whole? [Well, look below to see! I wrote this last night. But I'll include it for posterity...] Fairly well, I expect; possibly even better than the opening day would suggest, as I wouldn't be surprised if some were put off a Friday-evening showing by the epic running time and will instead have caught it on Saturday or Sunday. Plus, it seems to me that word-of-mouth reaction has been better than the majority of widely-seen reviews, so perhaps it will gain a slightly delayed audience from that. Of course, while it may not be a record-breaker, it's still done rather well!
Weekend Report: Watchmen Rages in the Top Spot by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
"Watchmen clocked in with a vibrant estimated $55.7 million... handily topping a weekend where overall business was up around ten percent over last year but a relative cool down compared to 2009's prior blistering pace. [It] notched the 12th highest-grossing opening weekend for a comic book movie... With the biggest theater count ever for an R-rated movie, Watchmen had the sixth-highest grossing R-rated start... Among Alan Moore adaptations, it doubled the openings of V for Vendetta and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen."
For even more statisticy information, check out the full article.
Saturday Morning Watchmen
Can't believe I neglected to post this a day or two ago! Watch and enjoy...
Saturday, 7 March 2009
TV
Damages
2x03 I Knew Your Pig
Flashbacks too! Yay! Still not hitting season one's heights, but it's early days yet. Incidentally, for those who haven't noticed, the episode titles are always drawn from a line of dialogue within the episode. They do like to pick odd and obscure ones, it seems.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Let's Dance for Comic Relief
Episode 3 (of 4)
Dances not as funny as the previous two weeks, sadly, but some surprisingly good. Next time, the final! Still want Robert Webb to win.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x03 I Knew Your Pig
Flashbacks too! Yay! Still not hitting season one's heights, but it's early days yet. Incidentally, for those who haven't noticed, the episode titles are always drawn from a line of dialogue within the episode. They do like to pick odd and obscure ones, it seems.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Let's Dance for Comic Relief
Episode 3 (of 4)
Dances not as funny as the previous two weeks, sadly, but some surprisingly good. Next time, the final! Still want Robert Webb to win.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Non-Fiction
The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry
Chapter One: II (p.33-54)
Still not getting through it fast enough, considering when my self-reflexive essay is due on my poetry module. At the same time, struggling to do any worthwhile work from it (not the fault of the book, I hasten to add). Still, my failure might give me something to write about in that essay.
Chapter One: II (p.33-54)
Still not getting through it fast enough, considering when my self-reflexive essay is due on my poetry module. At the same time, struggling to do any worthwhile work from it (not the fault of the book, I hasten to add). Still, my failure might give me something to write about in that essay.
Articles: Watchmen
Once again, they're all about one film...
6 Really Bad Watchmen Sequel Ideas by James White
(from Total Film)
Deliberately humourous (hence the "really bad"), but not all that funny (hence the "really bad"?) Contains major spoilers right from the start.
Watchmen cupcakes
(from Cupcakes Take the Cake)
Aww! I want.
What if Woody Allen Had Directed Watchmen? by Dan Kois & Ashley Quigg
(from Slate)
Also imagines it as done by Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sofia Coppola, Pedro Almodovar and Quentin Tarantino. With the exception of the Tarantino bit, which presents a slightly sideways look at things and therefore is quite clever, this is like Total Film's article: not as funny as you'd hope.
6 Really Bad Watchmen Sequel Ideas by James White
(from Total Film)
Deliberately humourous (hence the "really bad"), but not all that funny (hence the "really bad"?) Contains major spoilers right from the start.
Watchmen cupcakes
(from Cupcakes Take the Cake)
Aww! I want.
What if Woody Allen Had Directed Watchmen? by Dan Kois & Ashley Quigg
(from Slate)
Also imagines it as done by Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sofia Coppola, Pedro Almodovar and Quentin Tarantino. With the exception of the Tarantino bit, which presents a slightly sideways look at things and therefore is quite clever, this is like Total Film's article: not as funny as you'd hope.
Watchmen 2: a couple of suggestions
Recently posted at 100 Films...
Head here to read the full piece and all 12 suggestions.
After finding Total Film's humourous suggestions for a Watchmen sequel a little lacking in the funniness department, I thought I'd jot down a few myself. It doesn't mean they're actually any better, obviously, but it kept me amused for a few minutes.
Betcha can'tspot all the references...
The Watchmen Strike Back
In which the Watchmen form a rebel alliance to fight crime and try to repeal the Keene Act! Sounds depressingly plausible...
Head here to read the full piece and all 12 suggestions.
Friday, 6 March 2009
TV
Moving Wallpaper
2x02 Episode 2
Not the best episode, which does raise the question: with show-within-show Renaissance already shooting, what are the behind-the-scenes team going to do for most of the series? It's still funny, though only sporadically. I hope it gets another recommission, but Must Try Harder if it's going to.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Not Going Out
3x06 Speech
Simple pleasures.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Orangutan Diary
2x01 Episode 1
Since the advent of iPlayer, the BBC's website has really gone downhill -- series that previously had dedicated sites now just have pages with iPlayer-esque links, like this one for Orangutan Diary. Series 1 had a proper site! (Archive here.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x02 Episode 2
Not the best episode, which does raise the question: with show-within-show Renaissance already shooting, what are the behind-the-scenes team going to do for most of the series? It's still funny, though only sporadically. I hope it gets another recommission, but Must Try Harder if it's going to.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Not Going Out
3x06 Speech
Simple pleasures.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Orangutan Diary
2x01 Episode 1
Since the advent of iPlayer, the BBC's website has really gone downhill -- series that previously had dedicated sites now just have pages with iPlayer-esque links, like this one for Orangutan Diary. Series 1 had a proper site! (Archive here.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Watchmen (2009)
[#9 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Watchmen is turning out to be a real "love it or hate it" film, with both critics and audiences. Depending on what day you're looking on and what site you're looking at, you're likely to be left thinking it's either utterly brilliant or utterly dreadful. Incidentally, this isn't a "fans love it / non-fans hate it" split either -- it seems to afflict both sides equally. So the truth, as I say, is that it more or less divides people.
Personally, I found a few flaws with it; but, as Danny Boyle recently said (about a different film), "it's imperfect; which every film should be". Yep, I'm firmly in the "loved it" camp.
[#9 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Watchmen is turning out to be a real "love it or hate it" film, with both critics and audiences. Depending on what day you're looking on and what site you're looking at, you're likely to be left thinking it's either utterly brilliant or utterly dreadful. Incidentally, this isn't a "fans love it / non-fans hate it" split either -- it seems to afflict both sides equally. So the truth, as I say, is that it more or less divides people.
Personally, I found a few flaws with it; but, as Danny Boyle recently said (about a different film), "it's imperfect; which every film should be". Yep, I'm firmly in the "loved it" camp.
Watchmen in Top 250
Poem of the Week: Ozymandias
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
You know, I've had this poem lined up since November -- that's almost four months ago. Why so long? Well, that's when I found it, and realised it would be a good enough choice for today -- Watchmen Day. It's not necessarily got a great deal to do with said comic adaptation, but that does have a major character called Ozymandias, and some of the poem's imagery is appropriate...
It was written in December 1817 (published January 1818) as part of a writing competition with Shelley's friend, Horace Smith. So guess what I'll be publishing on Monday...
You know, I've had this poem lined up since November -- that's almost four months ago. Why so long? Well, that's when I found it, and realised it would be a good enough choice for today -- Watchmen Day. It's not necessarily got a great deal to do with said comic adaptation, but that does have a major character called Ozymandias, and some of the poem's imagery is appropriate...
I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said:-- "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things,
The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away.
It was written in December 1817 (published January 1818) as part of a writing competition with Shelley's friend, Horace Smith. So guess what I'll be publishing on Monday...
Twitter & feed
Two new ways for you to follow My Cultural Experience, as well as the good ol' fashioned way (i.e. through the site).
Twitter, the increasingly popular social networking (of sorts) site.
a FeedBurner feed, which I believe is something to do with RSS feeds, but I've never understood those...
I also intend to set it up so that 100 Films is fed to @MyCulturalExp -- that's my next task, in fact.
And that's it, dear readers. I hope these new sources are of use to someone...
I also intend to set it up so that 100 Films is fed to @MyCulturalExp -- that's my next task, in fact.
And that's it, dear readers. I hope these new sources are of use to someone...
Thursday, 5 March 2009
TV
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
16x06 (27/2/09 edition)
Clive Owen: cool, if stand-offish.
Emily Blunt: loved by men, hated by women (so I'm told).
David Attenborough: knight of the realm.
U2: bland.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
16x06 (27/2/09 edition)
Clive Owen: cool, if stand-offish.
Emily Blunt: loved by men, hated by women (so I'm told).
David Attenborough: knight of the realm.
U2: bland.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles: Watchmen
Because they're all about a little forthcoming (well, arrived now, I suppose!) film again...
100ft Dr. Manhattan and the Comedians Badge arrive in London - Amazing Water Projection
(from Live For Films)
As mentioned yesterday, now with pictures and video. It's... well...
Review of Watchmen by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
Yep, yet another review. But this is from Roger Ebert, one of the world's most respected film critics, so it's worth paying attention to. And he loves it!
Review of Watchmen by Dave Foster
(from DVD Times)
Another good review. Super. Only 11 hours 'til it finally opens in my area (damn those at midnight screenings as I post this!)
Snyder Rules Out Watchmen Sequel
(from WENN)
But the cast are contractually obligated... Hopefully it's a standard blockbuster contract, not a statement of intent.
100ft Dr. Manhattan and the Comedians Badge arrive in London - Amazing Water Projection
(from Live For Films)
As mentioned yesterday, now with pictures and video. It's... well...
Review of Watchmen by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
Yep, yet another review. But this is from Roger Ebert, one of the world's most respected film critics, so it's worth paying attention to. And he loves it!
Review of Watchmen by Dave Foster
(from DVD Times)
Another good review. Super. Only 11 hours 'til it finally opens in my area (damn those at midnight screenings as I post this!)
Snyder Rules Out Watchmen Sequel
(from WENN)
But the cast are contractually obligated... Hopefully it's a standard blockbuster contract, not a statement of intent.
Technology
Spent most of today battling to fix my iMac (late 2006 model, according to Apple's help pages).
It seems to be well & truly screwed though -- something wrong with the hard disk, basically amounting to the computer not being able to find it. Could mean it's just come unplugged (lord knows how), could be thoroughly done for.
Hopefully, at the very least, some or all of the data can be retrieved from it though, because there's so much stuff on there -- including all my notes for future 100 Films reviews and, more importantly, a heck of a lot of work-related things.
Nothing more I can do, it seems. A trip to the local Genius Bar will be required -- I'm just thankfully that, firstly, so many Apple Stores have popped up across the UK now, and secondly, that I live in Exeter, where we have one! Not sure when I'll go though, as I'm not sacrificing Watchmen time tomorrow and I hate town on Saturdays.
Sunday then...
It seems to be well & truly screwed though -- something wrong with the hard disk, basically amounting to the computer not being able to find it. Could mean it's just come unplugged (lord knows how), could be thoroughly done for.
Hopefully, at the very least, some or all of the data can be retrieved from it though, because there's so much stuff on there -- including all my notes for future 100 Films reviews and, more importantly, a heck of a lot of work-related things.
Nothing more I can do, it seems. A trip to the local Genius Bar will be required -- I'm just thankfully that, firstly, so many Apple Stores have popped up across the UK now, and secondly, that I live in Exeter, where we have one! Not sure when I'll go though, as I'm not sacrificing Watchmen time tomorrow and I hate town on Saturdays.
Sunday then...
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
TV
QI
6x10 Flora and Fauna (extended edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Getting so far behind with TV viewing again...
6x10 Flora and Fauna (extended edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Getting so far behind with TV viewing again...
Articles
Many Doctors to save the universe
(from Forbidden Planet International Blog Log)
An unusual piece of Who art...
Papers sorry for 'Facebook party' story by Oliver Luft
(from guardian.co.uk)
Oh they got it wrong, and how! Interestingly, the Guardian wasn't one of them.
Robert Patrick to appear in Terminator 5? by Chris Hicks
(from Total Film)
Could be good... maybe...
Sucker Punch - Mamma Mia! The cast for Zack Snyder's next film has been announced
(from Live For Films)
This film sounds mad. Follow the link for more info.
Plus, so many Watchmen articles they get their own post here.
(from Forbidden Planet International Blog Log)
An unusual piece of Who art...
Papers sorry for 'Facebook party' story by Oliver Luft
(from guardian.co.uk)
Oh they got it wrong, and how! Interestingly, the Guardian wasn't one of them.
Robert Patrick to appear in Terminator 5? by Chris Hicks
(from Total Film)
Could be good... maybe...
Sucker Punch - Mamma Mia! The cast for Zack Snyder's next film has been announced
(from Live For Films)
This film sounds mad. Follow the link for more info.
Plus, so many Watchmen articles they get their own post here.
Articles: Watchmen
As its Tomatometer slowly slides downwards, here are today's Watchmen-related articles of interest...
Manhattan-on-Thames
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
"Dr. Manhattan, the blue skinned, super-powered being beloved of all Watchmen fans, will rise above the murky depths of the Thames to a height of over 70 feet and tower over all those who dare to attend. This dramatic, one-off spectacle will be created using the world’s biggest water screen projector. The water screen... will create an enormous vertical screen of water that will extend to 72 feet in height and 100 feet across."
Sounds pretty impressive. This was due to happen earlier this evening, but I've not come across any reports or photos yet. Please comment if you have. I'll report more if I hear more...
Watchmen has already broken a record by Carl DiOrio
(from THR.com)
"However high Watchmen grosses can climb, the superhero actioner sure will be playing wide: Its 3,611 playdates will be the most ever for an R-rated film. [It] will play in an impressive 1,600 locations at midnight [on] Thursday. That's substantially more than the 656 midnight shows that helped [director Zack] Snyder's ancient Greece actioner 300 fetch an incredible... $71 million opening weekend in March 2007... The previous widest release for an R-rated pic was the 3,603-theater bow for The Matrix Reloaded...
dates include 124 engagements in Imax giant-screen auditoriums... Imax's Web site crashed four times this week because of traffic surges by Watchmen fans looking for ticket information, Foster said."
Looks certain it'll beat 300 to become the 2nd highest grossing R-rated opening weekend, but can it beat The Matrix Reloaded too? I'd bet "yes" myself.
And as Empire begin a "Watchmen Week", here are the first two items...
Watchmen: The Failed Attempts
(from Empire)
"take a look at the Watchmen movies that might have been..."
Watchmen: The Added Stories
(from Empire)
"Watchmen [is] punctuated with texts that expand upon that main story, clarify it and occasionally go off on a tangent (or seem to). Here are the pieces of the puzzle outside that main story that you may not see on the big screen"
Manhattan-on-Thames
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
"Dr. Manhattan, the blue skinned, super-powered being beloved of all Watchmen fans, will rise above the murky depths of the Thames to a height of over 70 feet and tower over all those who dare to attend. This dramatic, one-off spectacle will be created using the world’s biggest water screen projector. The water screen... will create an enormous vertical screen of water that will extend to 72 feet in height and 100 feet across."
Sounds pretty impressive. This was due to happen earlier this evening, but I've not come across any reports or photos yet. Please comment if you have. I'll report more if I hear more...
Watchmen has already broken a record by Carl DiOrio
(from THR.com)
"However high Watchmen grosses can climb, the superhero actioner sure will be playing wide: Its 3,611 playdates will be the most ever for an R-rated film. [It] will play in an impressive 1,600 locations at midnight [on] Thursday. That's substantially more than the 656 midnight shows that helped [director Zack] Snyder's ancient Greece actioner 300 fetch an incredible... $71 million opening weekend in March 2007... The previous widest release for an R-rated pic was the 3,603-theater bow for The Matrix Reloaded...
dates include 124 engagements in Imax giant-screen auditoriums... Imax's Web site crashed four times this week because of traffic surges by Watchmen fans looking for ticket information, Foster said."
Looks certain it'll beat 300 to become the 2nd highest grossing R-rated opening weekend, but can it beat The Matrix Reloaded too? I'd bet "yes" myself.
And as Empire begin a "Watchmen Week", here are the first two items...
Watchmen: The Failed Attempts
(from Empire)
"take a look at the Watchmen movies that might have been..."
Watchmen: The Added Stories
(from Empire)
"Watchmen [is] punctuated with texts that expand upon that main story, clarify it and occasionally go off on a tangent (or seem to). Here are the pieces of the puzzle outside that main story that you may not see on the big screen"
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
TV
Film 2009 with Jonathan Ross
Episode 6 (3/2/09 edition)
Wossy weviews Watchmen. I've found that Ross' opinions often chime with my own, so was pleased to find he enjoyed it so much (with some reservations). Only two days to go now...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Nature's Great Events
Part 2 The Great Salmon Run
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Episode 6 (3/2/09 edition)
Wossy weviews Watchmen. I've found that Ross' opinions often chime with my own, so was pleased to find he enjoyed it so much (with some reservations). Only two days to go now...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Nature's Great Events
Part 2 The Great Salmon Run
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Non-Fiction
The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry
Chapter One: II (p.21-33)
Christ I'm progressing through this slowly. Really need to speed up -- it's a week tomorrow that I have to hand in / work through in class a 'progress report' on the module so far, and I've done nothing like enough work to write such a thing without being in Trouble.
Chapter One: II (p.21-33)
Christ I'm progressing through this slowly. Really need to speed up -- it's a week tomorrow that I have to hand in / work through in class a 'progress report' on the module so far, and I've done nothing like enough work to write such a thing without being in Trouble.
Articles
Behind the Mask by Craig McLean
(from Telegraph Magazine 22/2/09, p.36-43)
Just another Watchmen preview, really, but a decent one. (Plus it was in a genuine printed magazine, all too rare a thing to be mentioned round 'ere. Though I've also found it online for your reading pleasure.)
British entrepreneur Rob Williams dies on skiing holiday in tragedy played out on Twitter by Richard Edwards
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
A good use of technology, even if it was still too little too late.
Crushed by the tyranny of the nipple: where it all went wrong at Arena by Brian Schofield
(from Organ Grinder at guardian.co.uk)
So, Arena magazine is dead. I'm not too fussed, I never bought it; but how can you resist an article with that title?
Life on Mars canceled by Tim Surette
(from tv.com)
And I never got round to watching it (this is the US one, of course). At least it sounds like they'll have a chance to wrap up the story, so maybe I'll catch the DVD set.
(from Telegraph Magazine 22/2/09, p.36-43)
Just another Watchmen preview, really, but a decent one. (Plus it was in a genuine printed magazine, all too rare a thing to be mentioned round 'ere. Though I've also found it online for your reading pleasure.)
British entrepreneur Rob Williams dies on skiing holiday in tragedy played out on Twitter by Richard Edwards
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
A good use of technology, even if it was still too little too late.
Crushed by the tyranny of the nipple: where it all went wrong at Arena by Brian Schofield
(from Organ Grinder at guardian.co.uk)
So, Arena magazine is dead. I'm not too fussed, I never bought it; but how can you resist an article with that title?
Life on Mars canceled by Tim Surette
(from tv.com)
And I never got round to watching it (this is the US one, of course). At least it sounds like they'll have a chance to wrap up the story, so maybe I'll catch the DVD set.
Monday, 2 March 2009
TV
Heroes
3x14 A Clear and Present Danger
See here for my thoughts on this episode.
Law & Order: UK
1x02 Unloved
Apparently the first episode did very well in the ratings (don't have figures, just overheard it on TV) and this is a strong episode, so it deserves to continue.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Watchmen (aka Watchmen Motion Comics)
Chapter I At Midnight, All the Agents... [2nd watch]
Chapter II Absent Friends
Chapter III The Judge of All the Earth
See here for my thoughts on these episodes.
3x14 A Clear and Present Danger
See here for my thoughts on this episode.
Law & Order: UK
1x02 Unloved
Apparently the first episode did very well in the ratings (don't have figures, just overheard it on TV) and this is a strong episode, so it deserves to continue.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Watchmen (aka Watchmen Motion Comics)
Chapter I At Midnight, All the Agents... [2nd watch]
Chapter II Absent Friends
Chapter III The Judge of All the Earth
See here for my thoughts on these episodes.
Films
Done in 60 Seconds Finalists
Connected to their forthcoming film awards, Empire have run a competition in which readers recreate a famous film in 60 seconds. These are the five finalists -- you can view them, vote on them, and the winner wins... well, an Empire Film Award, I presume.
They're all pretty good, in my opinion; so much so that I honestly can't remember which I voted for any more. It was probably Seven though, so I've embedded it (and/or all of them) below...
Connected to their forthcoming film awards, Empire have run a competition in which readers recreate a famous film in 60 seconds. These are the five finalists -- you can view them, vote on them, and the winner wins... well, an Empire Film Award, I presume.
They're all pretty good, in my opinion; so much so that I honestly can't remember which I voted for any more. It was probably Seven though, so I've embedded it (and/or all of them) below...
Fiction
The Library of Babel by Jorge Luis Borges (translated by James E. Ibury)
A sci-fi/fantasy short story, about a universe in the form of a vast library that contains all possible 410-page books, brought to my attention courtesy of a classmate's poem that may or may not reference it. It seems to be a moderately seminal work, based on the contents of its Wikipedia entry.
You can read it for yourself at the link above -- it's really not very long, but it is very interesting. I wonder if it played any conscious part in inspiring the Doctor Who two-parter Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead...?
A sci-fi/fantasy short story, about a universe in the form of a vast library that contains all possible 410-page books, brought to my attention courtesy of a classmate's poem that may or may not reference it. It seems to be a moderately seminal work, based on the contents of its Wikipedia entry.
You can read it for yourself at the link above -- it's really not very long, but it is very interesting. I wonder if it played any conscious part in inspiring the Doctor Who two-parter Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead...?
Non-Fiction
The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry
Chapter One: I
The basics -- a very, very good place to start. I know so much more about iambic pentameter than I used to.
Chapter One: I
The basics -- a very, very good place to start. I know so much more about iambic pentameter than I used to.
Articles
7 Things That Must Be In Ghostbusters 3 by James White
(from Total Film)
Apparently it's actually happening, so here's Total Film's thoughts on what it must include. Hardly all essential, and the most obvious one is the hardest to nail: it just has to be good.
BBC receives almost 250 complaints over 'all-black' EastEnders by Leigh Holmwood
(from guardian.co.uk)
"the first episode of EastEnders to feature an all-black cast in its 24-year history... A BBC spokesman said 239 complaints had been received from viewers, with 57 received before it aired and 183 after the broadcast. It is understood that most of the complaints were from people who felt it was "inappropriate" for the BBC to have shown an episode featuring an all-black cast."
Speaks for itself, really.
David Tennant's curtailed Hamlet will rise from the grave by Tim Walker
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
"the entire cast of the RSC production are preparing to make a film version of the play in June to record for posterity his portrayal, which was described by some as the greatest Hamlet of his generation... Oliver Ford Davies, [who played Polonius]: "We are intending to film it over two or three weeks in June. It won't be a full feature film as there isn't time but it will certainly be more than just the filming of the stage.""
Hurrah! It was fantastic, so this is great news.
Dark Visions: Watchmen and Leave Her to Heaven by Anthony Lane
(from The New Yorker)
Positively scathing review. I think this guy may feel rather bitter about something...
Who Watches the Watches - Cool Watchmen T-Shirt
(from Live For Films)
Title says it all: a very cool shirt. (See pic above.)
Zack Snyder and Dave Gibbons talk Watchmen Black Freighter and Motion Comic DVDs by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub
(from Collider.com)
Interesting interview about how these projects came into being, as well as the tie-in video game that's on its way. There seems to be a certain amount of "it's going to happen anyway, so just like it or lump it" about at least two of those -- in this respect, Snyder and Gibbons are both pleasantly honest.
(from Total Film)
Apparently it's actually happening, so here's Total Film's thoughts on what it must include. Hardly all essential, and the most obvious one is the hardest to nail: it just has to be good.
BBC receives almost 250 complaints over 'all-black' EastEnders by Leigh Holmwood
(from guardian.co.uk)
"the first episode of EastEnders to feature an all-black cast in its 24-year history... A BBC spokesman said 239 complaints had been received from viewers, with 57 received before it aired and 183 after the broadcast. It is understood that most of the complaints were from people who felt it was "inappropriate" for the BBC to have shown an episode featuring an all-black cast."
Speaks for itself, really.
David Tennant's curtailed Hamlet will rise from the grave by Tim Walker
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
"the entire cast of the RSC production are preparing to make a film version of the play in June to record for posterity his portrayal, which was described by some as the greatest Hamlet of his generation... Oliver Ford Davies, [who played Polonius]: "We are intending to film it over two or three weeks in June. It won't be a full feature film as there isn't time but it will certainly be more than just the filming of the stage.""
Hurrah! It was fantastic, so this is great news.
Dark Visions: Watchmen and Leave Her to Heaven by Anthony Lane
(from The New Yorker)
Positively scathing review. I think this guy may feel rather bitter about something...
Who Watches the Watches - Cool Watchmen T-Shirt
(from Live For Films)
Title says it all: a very cool shirt. (See pic above.)
Zack Snyder and Dave Gibbons talk Watchmen Black Freighter and Motion Comic DVDs by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub
(from Collider.com)
Interesting interview about how these projects came into being, as well as the tie-in video game that's on its way. There seems to be a certain amount of "it's going to happen anyway, so just like it or lump it" about at least two of those -- in this respect, Snyder and Gibbons are both pleasantly honest.
Heroes 3x14: A Clear and Present Danger
Heroes returns with Volume Four, Fugitives. Why not just call it Season Four, hm? Bloody US TV silliness.
Still, the main thing is, it's a helluva lot better than before! This episode contained as much incident as half a dozen episodes would've in the old-style Heroes and, with the exception of the odd unsubtle misstep (orange jumpsuits), it was all good, exciting, intriguing stuff.
But it's probably come too late -- the show's phenomenon status is well and truly shot on both sides of the Atlantic, with falling ratings over there and very little promotion for this new run over here (so little, in fact, that I skipped this ep on broadcast to watch L&O:UK, and only remembered the show was even on when I checked this evening's listings); plus tie-in making-of series Heroes Unmasked has apparently been cancelled.
It's all a shame, because if they'd pulled this kinda quality out of the bag for season two -- or even the start of season three -- it might've been enough to save the show's status. Now it's got to rebuild its popularity, and that's a big ask.
Still, the main thing is, it's a helluva lot better than before! This episode contained as much incident as half a dozen episodes would've in the old-style Heroes and, with the exception of the odd unsubtle misstep (orange jumpsuits), it was all good, exciting, intriguing stuff.
But it's probably come too late -- the show's phenomenon status is well and truly shot on both sides of the Atlantic, with falling ratings over there and very little promotion for this new run over here (so little, in fact, that I skipped this ep on broadcast to watch L&O:UK, and only remembered the show was even on when I checked this evening's listings); plus tie-in making-of series Heroes Unmasked has apparently been cancelled.
It's all a shame, because if they'd pulled this kinda quality out of the bag for season two -- or even the start of season three -- it might've been enough to save the show's status. Now it's got to rebuild its popularity, and that's a big ask.
Watchmen Motion Comics: Chapters I - III
Putting off plans to continue watching one animated comic in order to watch another here, but for a good reason: with the live action Watchmen movie out next Friday, I thought it was time to reacquaint myself with the graphic novel... though in a somewhat different medium. And with the final chapter of this adaptation released just last week (in the US, where I have my fully-paid-up-and-legal-thank-you-very-much subscription from; in the UK soon, one would hope), it seemed a reasonable time to be getting on with it. So, chapters one to three today, and hopefully the rest before The Big Day...
It's actually a rather good adaptation, in my opinion; the best analogy is probably that it's an audiobook for graphic novels, although it goes beyond that. The animation (all based off the original art) is surprisingly animated, almost enough that you could genuinely get away with labelling it "The Animated Series", and it has sound effects and a full, original music score to back this up.
The main thing that lets it down is having one voice artist do every character -- his women aren't especially feminine and are all bit indistinguishable, and while he has a good array of male voices there are times when the on screen speech bubbles are required to be certain who's speaking. But still: throw in just one female voice artist and an additional bloke, animate the mouths and remove the speech bubbles, and I swear this would pass as simply Watchmen: The Animated Series, not the rather more clunky (and plain odd) Motion Comics.
For those who are interested, the Watchmen Motion Comics are currently available on iTunes (£20.99 for the series, £1.89 per episode (there're 12)), and are released on R1 DVD and US Blu-ray on 3rd March and R2 DVD (no Blu-ray planned) as an online exclusive on 9th March. At just £8 from the major retailers, the DVD is considerably cheaper than iTunes.
It's actually a rather good adaptation, in my opinion; the best analogy is probably that it's an audiobook for graphic novels, although it goes beyond that. The animation (all based off the original art) is surprisingly animated, almost enough that you could genuinely get away with labelling it "The Animated Series", and it has sound effects and a full, original music score to back this up.
The main thing that lets it down is having one voice artist do every character -- his women aren't especially feminine and are all bit indistinguishable, and while he has a good array of male voices there are times when the on screen speech bubbles are required to be certain who's speaking. But still: throw in just one female voice artist and an additional bloke, animate the mouths and remove the speech bubbles, and I swear this would pass as simply Watchmen: The Animated Series, not the rather more clunky (and plain odd) Motion Comics.
For those who are interested, the Watchmen Motion Comics are currently available on iTunes (£20.99 for the series, £1.89 per episode (there're 12)), and are released on R1 DVD and US Blu-ray on 3rd March and R2 DVD (no Blu-ray planned) as an online exclusive on 9th March. At just £8 from the major retailers, the DVD is considerably cheaper than iTunes.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
TV
Damages
2x02 Burn It, Shred It, I Don't Care
Things pick up a little, but not a lot. It has the feel of a "difficult second album" so far: a long way from being bad, but not a patch on season one.
2x02 Burn It, Shred It, I Don't Care
Things pick up a little, but not a lot. It has the feel of a "difficult second album" so far: a long way from being bad, but not a patch on season one.
Non-Fiction
The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry
Foreword
How to Read this Book
Mr Fry's guide to writing poetry, very much from a beginner's perspective. Or, rather, aimed at beginners, though also apparently useful to this who are more (or think they are more) experienced. Hoping it'll be of serious use to my MA!
Foreword
How to Read this Book
Mr Fry's guide to writing poetry, very much from a beginner's perspective. Or, rather, aimed at beginners, though also apparently useful to this who are more (or think they are more) experienced. Hoping it'll be of serious use to my MA!
Music
While I was listening to these two for the first time last night, I shared my thoughts track-by-track on twitter. Here are the highlights (I use that word loosely).
Watchmen: Music From the Motion Picture
My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row: Never listened to MCR, so no idea if this is typical of them.
Nat King Cole - Unforgettable: "Varied" is too light a word for this soundtrack.
Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin': Can't wait to see this sequence -- even those who hated the film have been praising it.
Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence: Always loved this song. It's like an old friend among unfamiliar tracks.
K.C. & the Sunshine Band - I'm Your Boogie Man: Will the Watchmen go disco dancing? I fear we can but dream.
Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower: Will be intrigued to see how well this works in the film.
Budapest Symphony Orchestra - Ride of the Valkyries: Mmm, Wagner. Watchmen will have to go some way to beat Apocalypse Now's use of this.
Nina Simone - Pirate Jenny: Not actually from Watchmen; from Tales of the Black Freighter. Which will be part of Watchmen eventually. Seems very apt -- kinda odd, creepy. This song is brilliant. Wins the Best Track I'd Not Heard Before Award for this soundtrack, I think.
Watchmen: Original Motion Picture Score by Tyler Bates
1) Rescue Mission: I'm guessing this OST is out of order, which sucks -- I hate it when soundtracks do that. Actiony opener.
3) Tonight the Comedian Died: Now THIS is the beginning. Creepy, throbbing -- a Rorschach-based cue then!
6) You Quit!: The shortest track on the CD. More memorable -- kinda Blade Runner-y, very '80s feel. Shame it's so short.
8) The American Dream: Slow, remorseful -- nice bit of irony in the title then.
11) Prison Fight: Clearly the showpiece track, as was B-side on single of Desolation Row. VERY VERY like Bates' 300 score.
12) Just Look Around You: Can guess where it's from & wager works beautifully. Nice contrast to tr11.
13) Dan's Apocalyptic Dream: Clue's in the title. Typically nightmare-ish, doesn't really deliver on its own build up
17) Countdown: In bursts, a great 'time is running out' track -- and, of course, time does run out. Suitably apocalyptic close.
19) All That is Good: Uncertain exactly what we'll see during this, but it may be a perfect marriage
Not sure of stand-out tracks on Bates' score, but mostly quite good I thought. Can't tell 'til see in context.
As I said, full comments on every track from both CDs is available on my twitter -- you'll just have to dive into the archive to find them.
Watchmen: Music From the Motion Picture
Watchmen: Original Motion Picture Score by Tyler Bates
As I said, full comments on every track from both CDs is available on my twitter -- you'll just have to dive into the archive to find them.
Articles
Indie Edge February 2009: Alan Moore
(from Previews)
Long rambling interview/conversation with Alan Moore, which doesn't even mention Watchmen (unlike all the other interviews going round with him right now). Instead, it covers the forthcoming third volume of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen plus Moore's other interesting projects in the works.
(from Previews)
Long rambling interview/conversation with Alan Moore, which doesn't even mention Watchmen (unlike all the other interviews going round with him right now). Instead, it covers the forthcoming third volume of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen plus Moore's other interesting projects in the works.
Poem of the Week: Night Drive
by Seamus Heaney
A 48 hour delay for this week's poem because, quite simply, I forgot. More on this piece at the other end...
So, Heaney is one of our nation's most beloved poets. And by "beloved" I mean "bought" -- apparently sales of his books account for two-thirds of all poetry sales in the UK. And yet I've never really read him 'til now.
And, to be honest, I still haven't -- only a slight dabbling. I should read more. Anyway, this is the one I most liked from my dabbles.
It can be found in New Selected Poems 1966-1987, but is originally from Door into the Dark, first published in 1969. I suspect it's also in Opened Ground: Poems 1966-1996, a newer selection designed to replace New Selected Poems -- so why our course directors still have us buying the older collection I don't know.
A 48 hour delay for this week's poem because, quite simply, I forgot. More on this piece at the other end...
The smells of ordinariness
Were new on the night drive through France:
Rain and hay and woods on the air
Made warm draughts in the open car.
Signposts whitened relentlessly.
Montreuil, Abbéville, Beauvais
Were promised, promised, came and went,
Each place granting its name's fulfilment.
A combine groaning its way late
Bled seeds across its work-light.
A forest fire smouldered out.
One by one small cafés shut.
I thought of you continuously
A thousand miles south where Italy
Laid its loin to France on the darkened sphere.
Your ordinariness was renewed there.
So, Heaney is one of our nation's most beloved poets. And by "beloved" I mean "bought" -- apparently sales of his books account for two-thirds of all poetry sales in the UK. And yet I've never really read him 'til now.
And, to be honest, I still haven't -- only a slight dabbling. I should read more. Anyway, this is the one I most liked from my dabbles.
It can be found in New Selected Poems 1966-1987, but is originally from Door into the Dark, first published in 1969. I suspect it's also in Opened Ground: Poems 1966-1996, a newer selection designed to replace New Selected Poems -- so why our course directors still have us buying the older collection I don't know.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
TV
Let's Dance for Comic Relief
Episode 2 (of 4)
No Michael McIntyre judging, sadly, and no dance that came anywhere near equalling Robert Webb's priceless Flashdance from last week. Overall, however, the quality was phenomenally higher.
This week's winners were Paddy McGuinness and Leigh Francis. Their dance was admittedly quite funny, but my God they're such irritating people! Francis was even playing his character, Keith Lemon -- not that anyone mentioned that on the programme, insisting on just calling him "Keith". Both of these facts should give you an indication of how much of a tit he is (and that's being polite about it). I really wish anyone else had gone through instead of them.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Not Going Out
3x05 Neighbour
Not the best episode, it must be said. Still, there were some laughs, so what else do you want?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Episode 2 (of 4)
No Michael McIntyre judging, sadly, and no dance that came anywhere near equalling Robert Webb's priceless Flashdance from last week. Overall, however, the quality was phenomenally higher.
This week's winners were Paddy McGuinness and Leigh Francis. Their dance was admittedly quite funny, but my God they're such irritating people! Francis was even playing his character, Keith Lemon -- not that anyone mentioned that on the programme, insisting on just calling him "Keith". Both of these facts should give you an indication of how much of a tit he is (and that's being polite about it). I really wish anyone else had gone through instead of them.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Not Going Out
3x05 Neighbour
Not the best episode, it must be said. Still, there were some laughs, so what else do you want?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Lego Star Wars Spaceship Bigger Than My Sofa Can Probably Invade Earth by Jesus Diaz
(from Gizmodo)
This is truly mad-big. The one shortcoming of the article is that there's nothing normal & everyday to give the model a proper sense of scale.
Review of Watchmen by Garth Franklin
(from Dark Horizons)
They keep coming in, swinging the Tomatometer back and forth all over the place. And within a week there'll be a veritable flood of them, as US critics will finally be allowed to have their say and everyone else will be publishing their thoughts around the day of release. This seemed a particularly good review, however, discussing some of the thoughts already expressed by both lovers and haters.
(from Gizmodo)
This is truly mad-big. The one shortcoming of the article is that there's nothing normal & everyday to give the model a proper sense of scale.
Review of Watchmen by Garth Franklin
(from Dark Horizons)
They keep coming in, swinging the Tomatometer back and forth all over the place. And within a week there'll be a veritable flood of them, as US critics will finally be allowed to have their say and everyone else will be publishing their thoughts around the day of release. This seemed a particularly good review, however, discussing some of the thoughts already expressed by both lovers and haters.
Friday, 27 February 2009
TV
An hour and a quarter in the company of Ben Miller this evening...
Moving Wallpaper
2x01 Episode 1
Hurrah for the return of Moving Wallpaper! I love this show. This first ep suffers a little from having to transition from the cancelled Echo Beach to a new project (sadly, a one-off at the end of the season rather than another accompanying drama), but hopefully they can return to the old style for a third season (just with a better paired show than Echo Beach).
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
QI
6x09 The Future (extended edition)
Christ, Ben Miller's clever. But also very interesting. And That Moment with Rob Brydon is surely a classic.
The extended episodes are still disappointingly hidden on iPlayer, but I assure you the one below works (or will do 'til the episode goes offline in 22 hours and 45 minutes).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Moving Wallpaper
2x01 Episode 1
Hurrah for the return of Moving Wallpaper! I love this show. This first ep suffers a little from having to transition from the cancelled Echo Beach to a new project (sadly, a one-off at the end of the season rather than another accompanying drama), but hopefully they can return to the old style for a third season (just with a better paired show than Echo Beach).
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
QI
6x09 The Future (extended edition)
Christ, Ben Miller's clever. But also very interesting. And That Moment with Rob Brydon is surely a classic.
The extended episodes are still disappointingly hidden on iPlayer, but I assure you the one below works (or will do 'til the episode goes offline in 22 hours and 45 minutes).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Pre-Post-Production
(from reddwarf.co.uk)
The official Red Dwarf site has plenty of info on the forthcoming specials, but this is pretty remarkable I think. With the setup they have their, footage filmed is synced up with the soundtrack and available to be edited within an hour! Technology is super.
The Spider-Man Broadway Musical Swings to an Opening Date, a Full-Title, and a First Poster by Matt Goldberg
(from Collider.com)
It's called Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, which is pretty bloody stupid if you ask me (or most people, it would seem). Follow the link for the distinctly uninspiring poster.
(from reddwarf.co.uk)
The official Red Dwarf site has plenty of info on the forthcoming specials, but this is pretty remarkable I think. With the setup they have their, footage filmed is synced up with the soundtrack and available to be edited within an hour! Technology is super.
The Spider-Man Broadway Musical Swings to an Opening Date, a Full-Title, and a First Poster by Matt Goldberg
(from Collider.com)
It's called Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, which is pretty bloody stupid if you ask me (or most people, it would seem). Follow the link for the distinctly uninspiring poster.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
TV
Damages
2x01 I Lied, Too
A bit of a slow start, having to pick up threads left hanging from last season as well as trying to kick off new ones. But there are promising signs, so we'll see how things develop.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
16x05 (20/2/09 edition)
Poor Mickey, he so deserved the Oscar (says someone who hasn't actually seen either film).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x01 I Lied, Too
A bit of a slow start, having to pick up threads left hanging from last season as well as trying to kick off new ones. But there are promising signs, so we'll see how things develop.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
16x05 (20/2/09 edition)
Poor Mickey, he so deserved the Oscar (says someone who hasn't actually seen either film).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Samuel L. Jackson IS Nick Fury After All by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire)
The headline says it all. Additional info: it's a nine film deal! Madness!
And check out the latest set of Watchmen reviews here.
(from Empire)
The headline says it all. Additional info: it's a nine film deal! Madness!
And check out the latest set of Watchmen reviews here.
Articles: Watchmen reviews
And the negative reviews begin to pour in, from respectable sources this time. Check out this little lot...
from The Hollywood Reporter by Kirk Honeycutt
Clearly a non-fan perspective -- I don't think he'd 'get' the graphic novel either -- so perhaps best ignored by those of us who are. Not so the next, however...
from ign.com Movies UK by Orlando Parfitt
The internationally ubiquitous IGN is already offering differing perspectives: this fan-centred UK review hates it, while the Australian reviewer loved it. Fan reviews are coming out split thusly, it seems.
from Variety by Justin Chang
I've never liked Variety -- I hate their snobby use of a specialist vocabulary, which, however easy to understand with a little effort, is still awkward and (probably deliberately) elitist. Doesn't necessarily make their opinion worthless though.
For a more positive perspective, see the first round of reviews here, and keep an eye on the Tomatometer for the latest critical consensus. Seems like this is gonna be a divisive one though...
from The Hollywood Reporter by Kirk Honeycutt
Clearly a non-fan perspective -- I don't think he'd 'get' the graphic novel either -- so perhaps best ignored by those of us who are. Not so the next, however...
from ign.com Movies UK by Orlando Parfitt
The internationally ubiquitous IGN is already offering differing perspectives: this fan-centred UK review hates it, while the Australian reviewer loved it. Fan reviews are coming out split thusly, it seems.
from Variety by Justin Chang
I've never liked Variety -- I hate their snobby use of a specialist vocabulary, which, however easy to understand with a little effort, is still awkward and (probably deliberately) elitist. Doesn't necessarily make their opinion worthless though.
For a more positive perspective, see the first round of reviews here, and keep an eye on the Tomatometer for the latest critical consensus. Seems like this is gonna be a divisive one though...
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
TV
Mad Men
1x12 Nixon vs. Kennedy [2nd watch]
1x13 The Wheel [season finale; 2nd watch]
Don's pitch to Kodak is stunning, one of the best moments of the series and possibly a great TV moment too.
So, with season one fully caught up on, it's on to season two (only two weeks behind the UK airings). Finally, resolutions for those cliffhangers!
1x12 Nixon vs. Kennedy [2nd watch]
1x13 The Wheel [season finale; 2nd watch]
Don's pitch to Kodak is stunning, one of the best moments of the series and possibly a great TV moment too.
So, with season one fully caught up on, it's on to season two (only two weeks behind the UK airings). Finally, resolutions for those cliffhangers!
Fiction
The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
The only (so far) sequel to the ubiquitous Gruffalo -- written five years ago, making it equidistant between the original now... which I read a week ago today. Oh, look how well I've timed this! (All by accident.)
It does what all good sequels to do: takes elements from the original as a basis, but develops them in a new way. For example, the original saw a little mouse telling tales of the fictional Gruffalo, who turned out to be real; here, the Gruffalo's child goes in search of the Big Bad Mouse, who isn't real. Yep, it's pretty much the children's picture book equivalent of the Terminator turning good in T2.
The only (so far) sequel to the ubiquitous Gruffalo -- written five years ago, making it equidistant between the original now... which I read a week ago today. Oh, look how well I've timed this! (All by accident.)
It does what all good sequels to do: takes elements from the original as a basis, but develops them in a new way. For example, the original saw a little mouse telling tales of the fictional Gruffalo, who turned out to be real; here, the Gruffalo's child goes in search of the Big Bad Mouse, who isn't real. Yep, it's pretty much the children's picture book equivalent of the Terminator turning good in T2.
Articles
Michel Gondry To Direct Green Hornet by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire)
Gondry (he of Eternal Sunshine... and Be Kind Rewind, amongst even quirkier efforts) directing a superhero film starring Seth Rogen and Stephen Chow? This will be interesting...
Pirates' Verbinski Gets A Clue by Emily Phillips
(from Empire)
Who'd've thought Cluedo (or Clue for any yankee readers) would inspire two film adaptations?! And why isn't 13 Dead End Drive well enough known to get one, hm? That'd be fab. So, the first one wasn't renamed for the UK; will this one be? Cluedo is the original title after all...
The real burning issue, however: will it be based on the original, proper version of the game, or the 2008 'reinvention' travesty? We can only hope the former, but, having learnt of the latter's existence, I fear that is the impetus behind this new film.
Watchmen - Film Review by Todd Gilchrist
(from h)
A faintly scholarly review, which does come to this very interesting conclusion:
"Watchmen, overall, is for everyone. It’s for people who love the graphic novels, and for people who have never read them. It’s for people who are sick to death of cinematic self-seriousness, and for people who want their movies to be treated more seriously. It’s for people who love movies, and for people who appreciate film. Watchmen is a benchmark achievement, a high water mark for adaptations, and an imperfect entry in the canon of comic-based cinema all at the same time. In other words, it defines the difference between a movie and a film: not merely entertainment, but the articulation of real concepts and ideas, which are effective in their exploration, even if in some cases it’s to the exclusion of more immediate gratification."
(from Empire)
Gondry (he of Eternal Sunshine... and Be Kind Rewind, amongst even quirkier efforts) directing a superhero film starring Seth Rogen and Stephen Chow? This will be interesting...
Pirates' Verbinski Gets A Clue by Emily Phillips
(from Empire)
Who'd've thought Cluedo (or Clue for any yankee readers) would inspire two film adaptations?! And why isn't 13 Dead End Drive well enough known to get one, hm? That'd be fab. So, the first one wasn't renamed for the UK; will this one be? Cluedo is the original title after all...
The real burning issue, however: will it be based on the original, proper version of the game, or the 2008 'reinvention' travesty? We can only hope the former, but, having learnt of the latter's existence, I fear that is the impetus behind this new film.
Watchmen - Film Review by Todd Gilchrist
(from h)
A faintly scholarly review, which does come to this very interesting conclusion:
"Watchmen, overall, is for everyone. It’s for people who love the graphic novels, and for people who have never read them. It’s for people who are sick to death of cinematic self-seriousness, and for people who want their movies to be treated more seriously. It’s for people who love movies, and for people who appreciate film. Watchmen is a benchmark achievement, a high water mark for adaptations, and an imperfect entry in the canon of comic-based cinema all at the same time. In other words, it defines the difference between a movie and a film: not merely entertainment, but the articulation of real concepts and ideas, which are effective in their exploration, even if in some cases it’s to the exclusion of more immediate gratification."
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
TV
Mad Men
1x11 Indian Summer [2nd watch]
The One Show
(24/2/09 edition)
Featuring Patrick Stewart bravely facing down a stream of Star Trek references, while simultaneously being far, far too clever for the presenters (or, I think, the crew) to understand. Only the ever-wonderful Hardeep Singh Kohli came close to him.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x11 Indian Summer [2nd watch]
The One Show
(24/2/09 edition)
Featuring Patrick Stewart bravely facing down a stream of Star Trek references, while simultaneously being far, far too clever for the presenters (or, I think, the crew) to understand. Only the ever-wonderful Hardeep Singh Kohli came close to him.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
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