Boy Meets Girl
Part 2 (of 4)
Part 3 (of 4)
Despite being overstretched at four hours, this is occasionally very good, if also a bit random. Fingers crossed next week's final part can tie it all together appropriately.
In the lead role, incidentally, Rachael Stirling is absolutely phenomenal. Hopefully she'll be remembered come the next awards season -- she'd deserve the lot -- but as I doubt the programme will be remembered that far away, her chances must be slim.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Graham Norton Show
5x09 (7/5/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday, 15 May 2009
Articles
50 Cent and Forest Whitaker are Jekyll and Hyde by Sean
(from Film Junk)
That's certainly some unusual casting. I don't know which should be which though.
(from Film Junk)
That's certainly some unusual casting. I don't know which should be which though.
Poem of the Week: 'You cannot hope...'
by Humbert Wolfe
A brief one this week and Wolfe's most famous piece, as evidenced by its prominent inclusion on his Wikipedia entry. Though it was first published in 1930, it's decidedly truthful to this day.
Discovered in The Nation's Favourite Comic Verse (as will be the next couple of Poem of the Week entries), but originally published in The Uncelestial City.
A brief one this week and Wolfe's most famous piece, as evidenced by its prominent inclusion on his Wikipedia entry. Though it was first published in 1930, it's decidedly truthful to this day.
You cannot hope
to bribe or twist,
thank God! the
British journalist.
But, seeing what
the man will do
unbribed, there's
no occasion to.
Discovered in The Nation's Favourite Comic Verse (as will be the next couple of Poem of the Week entries), but originally published in The Uncelestial City.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
TV
The Mentalist
1x08 The Thin Red Line
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Wire
2x06 All Prologue
Halfway through the season now, but -- a couple of the subplots aside -- so little has happened that it feels like it's barely begun. I'm beginning to see why some were surprised and disappointed when this first aired, and why many still regard it as one of the poorer seasons.
1x08 The Thin Red Line
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Wire
2x06 All Prologue
Halfway through the season now, but -- a couple of the subplots aside -- so little has happened that it feels like it's barely begun. I'm beginning to see why some were surprised and disappointed when this first aired, and why many still regard it as one of the poorer seasons.
Films
Angels & Demons (2009)
[#25 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
[2nd watch]
This is 11 years old now! Time flies.
[#25 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
[2nd watch]
This is 11 years old now! Time flies.
Articles
Star Trek In-Jokes
(from Empire)
"All the Trekker references in JJ Abrams' franchise reboot." Though they seem to have missed a couple.
Star Trek: warp factor sex by Sady Doyle
(from guardian.co.uk)
It feels like flogging a dead horse to still be mentioning Star Trek -- and after only a week on release too -- but this article/review is both accurate and brilliant, and therefore deserves your attention (whatever you thought of the film).
“You stinky!” - Hong Kong’s funniest subtitles
and
“Damn you, Fatty!” - More funny subtitles from Hong Kong movies by Cal
(from Heroes of the East)
Unendingly hilarious. To quote any here would be to spoil the fun.
(from Empire)
"All the Trekker references in JJ Abrams' franchise reboot." Though they seem to have missed a couple.
Star Trek: warp factor sex by Sady Doyle
(from guardian.co.uk)
It feels like flogging a dead horse to still be mentioning Star Trek -- and after only a week on release too -- but this article/review is both accurate and brilliant, and therefore deserves your attention (whatever you thought of the film).
“You stinky!” - Hong Kong’s funniest subtitles
and
“Damn you, Fatty!” - More funny subtitles from Hong Kong movies by Cal
(from Heroes of the East)
Unendingly hilarious. To quote any here would be to spoil the fun.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 24 Truth [finale episode]
See here for my thoughts on this chapter.
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
1x04 Problems in Moral Philosophy
For a programme that's so perfect for Sunday night -- genteel, funny, nice -- the episodes seem to go by awfully quickly. Which is a good thing -- Lark Rise..., for example, does drag so.
The Wire
2x05 Undertow
The Wire hasn't gone totally off the ball, but some scenes in this season lack the could-be-a-documentary realism of the first. And I'm not talking some shaky handheld style thing here (thankfully, the makers of The Wire seem to know about tripods and Steadicams -- perhaps they could lend some to J.J. Abrams), but the dialogue and performances. It's not throughout, but just occasionally it feels much more 'fictional' than before -- no problem in much shows, but it belies what made this series so different and so good.
Chapter 24 Truth [finale episode]
See here for my thoughts on this chapter.
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
1x04 Problems in Moral Philosophy
For a programme that's so perfect for Sunday night -- genteel, funny, nice -- the episodes seem to go by awfully quickly. Which is a good thing -- Lark Rise..., for example, does drag so.
The Wire
2x05 Undertow
The Wire hasn't gone totally off the ball, but some scenes in this season lack the could-be-a-documentary realism of the first. And I'm not talking some shaky handheld style thing here (thankfully, the makers of The Wire seem to know about tripods and Steadicams -- perhaps they could lend some to J.J. Abrams), but the dialogue and performances. It's not throughout, but just occasionally it feels much more 'fictional' than before -- no problem in much shows, but it belies what made this series so different and so good.
Articles
Cannes 2009: Up first reaction! by Jamie Graham
(from Total Film)
"Pixar's latest opens Cannes to eye-popping effect" say Total Film. Sounds more promising than it looks.
How To Cheat A Reboot: Star Trek's Kobayashi Maru Solution by Dan Jolin
(from the Empire Blog)
Far too much has been written about Star Trek now, but this article's different perspective makes it worth bothering with.
Review of Fast & Furious by gproject
(from Slate Scrawl)
Sounds about as good as I hoped (I say hoped -- I wasn't actively wishing it would be any good), which does increase my chances of seeing it as I thought it would probably be worse.
Vindictive Movie Studio Threatens To Make Coyote Ugly Sequel
(from the Onion)
Don't worry, it's a spoof. (To all teenage boys thinking, "what do you mean 'don't worry'?! I'm upset it's not real", you can just go watch the DVD of the first one again. Or try Bring It On.)
(from Total Film)
"Pixar's latest opens Cannes to eye-popping effect" say Total Film. Sounds more promising than it looks.
How To Cheat A Reboot: Star Trek's Kobayashi Maru Solution by Dan Jolin
(from the Empire Blog)
Far too much has been written about Star Trek now, but this article's different perspective makes it worth bothering with.
Review of Fast & Furious by gproject
(from Slate Scrawl)
Sounds about as good as I hoped (I say hoped -- I wasn't actively wishing it would be any good), which does increase my chances of seeing it as I thought it would probably be worse.
Vindictive Movie Studio Threatens To Make Coyote Ugly Sequel
(from the Onion)
Don't worry, it's a spoof. (To all teenage boys thinking, "what do you mean 'don't worry'?! I'm upset it's not real", you can just go watch the DVD of the first one again. Or try Bring It On.)
Broken Saints - Chapter 24: Truth
24 episodes, 10½ hours, 5 months of my time -- I've finally reach the end of "The Animated Comic Epic"!
The final certainly has a lot to live up to, especially as it makes up about 13% of the series' length. It does its best, tying together a lot of complex plot strands and information to round off the plot and offer some deeper meaning -- or at least, try to. Some of it is borrowed heavily from elsewhere -- most obviously Watchmen, from which several elements are taken -- and this can be distracting. A sympathetic eye can easily easy to see why those bits were selected however.
Some of the usual flaws are still evident -- an over technical bit of hacking from Raimi is particularly irritating, slowing the otherwise well constructed pace (a welcome change). On the other hand, he pretentiousness finally seems grounded in something worth listening to -- some of it, anyway.
It's difficult to say if Broken Saints is worth all the effort. Some will love it, especially wannabe-philosophers, whereas others will unquestionably hate it. I'm somewhere in between, as usual, but can say that I will at some point watch it again, and see how much more (if anything) can be gained from watching it all knowing how it ends.
For all my posts related to Broken Saints, please look here.
The final certainly has a lot to live up to, especially as it makes up about 13% of the series' length. It does its best, tying together a lot of complex plot strands and information to round off the plot and offer some deeper meaning -- or at least, try to. Some of it is borrowed heavily from elsewhere -- most obviously Watchmen, from which several elements are taken -- and this can be distracting. A sympathetic eye can easily easy to see why those bits were selected however.
Some of the usual flaws are still evident -- an over technical bit of hacking from Raimi is particularly irritating, slowing the otherwise well constructed pace (a welcome change). On the other hand, he pretentiousness finally seems grounded in something worth listening to -- some of it, anyway.
It's difficult to say if Broken Saints is worth all the effort. Some will love it, especially wannabe-philosophers, whereas others will unquestionably hate it. I'm somewhere in between, as usual, but can say that I will at some point watch it again, and see how much more (if anything) can be gained from watching it all knowing how it ends.
For all my posts related to Broken Saints, please look here.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 23 Ascent
See here for my thoughts on this chapter.
The Omid Djalili Show
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Wire
2x04 Hard Cases
The Wire's second season seems to be suffering under the same problems that seem to blight most second seasons these days: a lack of focus and struggling to retain or recreate the elements that made the first so great. Still, we're only a third of the way in, there's plenty of time yet.
Chapter 23 Ascent
See here for my thoughts on this chapter.
The Omid Djalili Show
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Wire
2x04 Hard Cases
The Wire's second season seems to be suffering under the same problems that seem to blight most second seasons these days: a lack of focus and struggling to retain or recreate the elements that made the first so great. Still, we're only a third of the way in, there's plenty of time yet.
Articles
Sam Mendes Says Preacher Script Is Half-Done, ‘Plenty Left Over’ For Sequels by Silas Lesnick
(from MTV Splash Page)
There's way too much in Preacher for just one film, but it sounds Mendes has the right handle on how to bring this to the screen: make one excellent standalone film and hope it does well enough to allow for more. Though considering Preacher's overarching story, some of that may be tricky. It's an excellent series though, so fingers crossed.
Warner Bros. And Facebook Team Up For Watchmen Blu-Ray Feature by Josh Wigler
(from MTV Splash Page)
This sounds decidedly odd, but potentially interesting. The full announcement for the US DVD/Blu-ray release can be found here. It'll be interesting to see how much more will be found on the eventual Ultimate Edition (which will include an even longer cut of the film).
The William Shatner Kirk Cameo that was cut from the Script
(from GeekTyrant)
Of the new Star Trek, of course. He really would've been shoehorned in, just like J.J. Abrams said. A wise cut to have made.
(from MTV Splash Page)
There's way too much in Preacher for just one film, but it sounds Mendes has the right handle on how to bring this to the screen: make one excellent standalone film and hope it does well enough to allow for more. Though considering Preacher's overarching story, some of that may be tricky. It's an excellent series though, so fingers crossed.
Warner Bros. And Facebook Team Up For Watchmen Blu-Ray Feature by Josh Wigler
(from MTV Splash Page)
This sounds decidedly odd, but potentially interesting. The full announcement for the US DVD/Blu-ray release can be found here. It'll be interesting to see how much more will be found on the eventual Ultimate Edition (which will include an even longer cut of the film).
The William Shatner Kirk Cameo that was cut from the Script
(from GeekTyrant)
Of the new Star Trek, of course. He really would've been shoehorned in, just like J.J. Abrams said. A wise cut to have made.
Broken Saints - Chapter 23: Ascent
No series has ever been worse for spouting endless irrelevant technical jargon than Broken Saints. Along with the rambling pretension, you have to wonder how much shorter the 12-hour series would've been if they'd had a decent script editor involved.
Despite that, this penultimate part manages to further the plot a decent amount, and even bring in a handful of twists and revelations (some blatant, some perhaps surprising). There's still plenty left to be revealed however, and it pulls off an ending that made me anxious to see the final feature-length episode -- though quite how there's enough story left to fill almost an hour and a half will be interesting to see.
It's around these final few chapters that one also realises that, while it seems as if almost nothing has happened over the preceding 10 hours, there's actually been quite a lot of rather complex plot tucked away under all the time wasting. In fact, some of that time wasting (by no means all, but some) wasn't actually time wasting at all, just elements whose meaning would be revealed later. Much later.
It's this kind of thing that makes me think Broken Saints will benefit from a second viewing, once I've seen the ending. But certainly not straight away.
Despite that, this penultimate part manages to further the plot a decent amount, and even bring in a handful of twists and revelations (some blatant, some perhaps surprising). There's still plenty left to be revealed however, and it pulls off an ending that made me anxious to see the final feature-length episode -- though quite how there's enough story left to fill almost an hour and a half will be interesting to see.
It's around these final few chapters that one also realises that, while it seems as if almost nothing has happened over the preceding 10 hours, there's actually been quite a lot of rather complex plot tucked away under all the time wasting. In fact, some of that time wasting (by no means all, but some) wasn't actually time wasting at all, just elements whose meaning would be revealed later. Much later.
It's this kind of thing that makes me think Broken Saints will benefit from a second viewing, once I've seen the ending. But certainly not straight away.
Monday, 11 May 2009
TV
Argumental
2x06 (4/5/09 edition)
Theoretically there are another six or seven episodes scheduled for this series of Argumental, though it's not listed this week. Perhaps Dave are playing at ITV's game and making two series out of one.
Ashes to Ashes
2x04 Episode Four
A surprise mid-series conclusion for what looked to be this year's story arc. I do love it when series wrongfoot the viewer in this way, especially when it means things aren't dragged out interminably.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Broken Saints
Chapter 22 Revelation
Pretentious and complicated this episode, but there are some nice ideas and good plot twists buried among the waffle.
Though in episode terms only 8% remains, there's still nearly two hours of it -- 17% -- to go (i.e. a fair bit).
Damages
2x12 Look What He Dug Up This Time
Another round of twists. It's still not close to being as good as the first season, but it has its moments. Maybe the finale will have something more to offer.
2x06 (4/5/09 edition)
Theoretically there are another six or seven episodes scheduled for this series of Argumental, though it's not listed this week. Perhaps Dave are playing at ITV's game and making two series out of one.
Ashes to Ashes
2x04 Episode Four
A surprise mid-series conclusion for what looked to be this year's story arc. I do love it when series wrongfoot the viewer in this way, especially when it means things aren't dragged out interminably.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Broken Saints
Chapter 22 Revelation
Pretentious and complicated this episode, but there are some nice ideas and good plot twists buried among the waffle.
Though in episode terms only 8% remains, there's still nearly two hours of it -- 17% -- to go (i.e. a fair bit).
Damages
2x12 Look What He Dug Up This Time
Another round of twists. It's still not close to being as good as the first season, but it has its moments. Maybe the finale will have something more to offer.
Articles
The 25 Greatest Sci-Fi Shows Ever! by Jake Rossen
(from Wizard)
A very unusual and consequently intriguing list. By far the correct choice for #1 though.
Weekend Report: Star Trek Prospers by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
BOM are usually quite clinical in their reports. Nothing wrong with that -- they're reporting box office numbers and all we want are the facts. But the veil slips in this one, as author Gray takes the chance to have a several paragraph rant about Star Trek's fanbase-alienating ad campaign and the public perception of it as an unpopular geek niche. Clearly a disgruntled fan then. Comes across a bit like the scene where Kirk and Scotty first arrive on the bridge if you ask me, with Gray as Spock -- if you've seen it I'm sure you'll get what I mean.
(from Wizard)
A very unusual and consequently intriguing list. By far the correct choice for #1 though.
Weekend Report: Star Trek Prospers by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
BOM are usually quite clinical in their reports. Nothing wrong with that -- they're reporting box office numbers and all we want are the facts. But the veil slips in this one, as author Gray takes the chance to have a several paragraph rant about Star Trek's fanbase-alienating ad campaign and the public perception of it as an unpopular geek niche. Clearly a disgruntled fan then. Comes across a bit like the scene where Kirk and Scotty first arrive on the bridge if you ask me, with Gray as Spock -- if you've seen it I'm sure you'll get what I mean.
new review at 100 Films
For your lunch hour reading:
Star Trek (2009)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Star Trek (2009)
“These are the voyages of the Apple iEnterprise.” ...the over-zealous critical reception is Star Trek’s biggest problem: while it is certainly satisfying in some areas it’s also lacking in others, but it seems most of the world’s critics are closet Trekkies, able to seize upon an above-average film and hail it as the Second Coming. It will come as no surprise when I say it isn’t.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
new review at 100 Films
Airplane! (1980)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
The main problem with watching Airplane! for the first time now is that it occasionally suffers from its own popularity... [It] combats these almost-faults in two ways: one, it is irrepressibly silly, which in this case is a very good thing; and two, it has an incredibly high joke rate.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 10 May 2009
TV
Ashes to Ashes
2x03 Episode Three
Finally catching up on last week's episode before the next one tomorrow. This one concerned extreme animal rights activists -- you know, the ones who terrorise and murder. They have to be some of the most hypocritical bastards of them all.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Damages
2x11 London. Of Course.
Damages season two finishes tonight on BBC One, but due to recording issues two weeks ago and my internet being no good at streaming iPlayer, it's taken 'til now to acquire this episode by... alternate means.
Things are almost coming together for this second season now, this episode featuring some suitably underhand moves and twists from a few major players, so maybe it can finally quit meandering and build to a decent conclusion.
2x03 Episode Three
Finally catching up on last week's episode before the next one tomorrow. This one concerned extreme animal rights activists -- you know, the ones who terrorise and murder. They have to be some of the most hypocritical bastards of them all.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Damages
2x11 London. Of Course.
Damages season two finishes tonight on BBC One, but due to recording issues two weeks ago and my internet being no good at streaming iPlayer, it's taken 'til now to acquire this episode by... alternate means.
Things are almost coming together for this second season now, this episode featuring some suitably underhand moves and twists from a few major players, so maybe it can finally quit meandering and build to a decent conclusion.
Articles
Cast And Director's Commentaries
and
Back To Earth Unseen Material
(from reddwarf.co.uk)
Pleasantly, the official Red Dwarf website is being updated every Friday with little nuggets of info about the forthcoming DVD release of Back to Earth, which is scheduled for June 15th -- a whole five weeks away still! Anyway, these are the first two real updates.
and
Back To Earth Unseen Material
(from reddwarf.co.uk)
Pleasantly, the official Red Dwarf website is being updated every Friday with little nuggets of info about the forthcoming DVD release of Back to Earth, which is scheduled for June 15th -- a whole five weeks away still! Anyway, these are the first two real updates.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 21 Convergence
It's a fault of the moving-graphic-novel style of this that action sequences take about five times as long as they would in a 'proper' motion form, and dialogue scenes can be pretty drawn out too. It would be interesting to know how long the whole series would take to get through if created at 'real speed' -- even with all the overlong pretentious monologues left in I bet it'd be a good few hours shorter.
This episode features some stuff Actually Happening, which is nice, though it's not quite up to the speed of some of the late-teens episodes. There's also a genuine plot twist, which may be a first for the series. While not a wildly improbable one, it'll still need some explaining come the next episode.
Have I Got News For You
37x03 (8/5/09 edition; uncut repeat)
Half past two.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x07 Episode 7
Some really nice ideas in this episode, but almost all let down by Primeval's usual shortcomings. The army troops turning up at Stupid Gambling Teenager's house was exactly what I wanted though, so that was nice.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Chapter 21 Convergence
It's a fault of the moving-graphic-novel style of this that action sequences take about five times as long as they would in a 'proper' motion form, and dialogue scenes can be pretty drawn out too. It would be interesting to know how long the whole series would take to get through if created at 'real speed' -- even with all the overlong pretentious monologues left in I bet it'd be a good few hours shorter.
This episode features some stuff Actually Happening, which is nice, though it's not quite up to the speed of some of the late-teens episodes. There's also a genuine plot twist, which may be a first for the series. While not a wildly improbable one, it'll still need some explaining come the next episode.
Have I Got News For You
37x03 (8/5/09 edition; uncut repeat)
Half past two.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x07 Episode 7
Some really nice ideas in this episode, but almost all let down by Primeval's usual shortcomings. The army troops turning up at Stupid Gambling Teenager's house was exactly what I wanted though, so that was nice.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Magazines
Total Film #155
A special 3D issue, which comes with a pair of red-and-green specs and a whole section (including most of the adverts) in 3D. Neat idea...
... but either I'm one of the 30% of people it doesn't work very well for (read the 3D article here for that stat), or RealD must be a lot better than old-fashioned red-and-green to get so many people excited, because a lot of the 3D demonstrated in this issue just doesn't work for me. It's fine on a small scale -- separating someone from the wall a foot behind them, for example -- but when you get objects very far apart the red and green parts of the picture don't work; I just see them twice.
Really speaking, the best way to consume 3D would be with glasses like these -- absolutely no crossover between eyes then, so it would work flawlessly. I find those sorts of specs quite appealing anyway, but put 3D on them and I'd really want them.
A special 3D issue, which comes with a pair of red-and-green specs and a whole section (including most of the adverts) in 3D. Neat idea...
... but either I'm one of the 30% of people it doesn't work very well for (read the 3D article here for that stat), or RealD must be a lot better than old-fashioned red-and-green to get so many people excited, because a lot of the 3D demonstrated in this issue just doesn't work for me. It's fine on a small scale -- separating someone from the wall a foot behind them, for example -- but when you get objects very far apart the red and green parts of the picture don't work; I just see them twice.
Really speaking, the best way to consume 3D would be with glasses like these -- absolutely no crossover between eyes then, so it would work flawlessly. I find those sorts of specs quite appealing anyway, but put 3D on them and I'd really want them.
new review at 100 Films
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Wolverine, to put it simply — much as the film would — entertains... Some have criticised the action for being physically ludicrous, but perhaps they should be reminded that they’re watching a film about people with superpowers. With that in mind, it never goes beyond what’s plausible for the world that’s been created.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 8 May 2009
TV
The Graham Norton Show
5x08 (30/4/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mad Men
2x13 Meditations in an Emergency [season finale]
Absolutely brilliant! And who knew the line "I haven't got a contract" could be one of the best, most triumphant 'finishing moves' ever? Can't wait for the third season now. Pray they never cancel this series without giving the production team notice, because the subtle cliffhangers they produce are unbearable. (As in you can't wait for the resolution, not as in badly done. Just so we're clear.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
5x08 (30/4/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mad Men
2x13 Meditations in an Emergency [season finale]
Absolutely brilliant! And who knew the line "I haven't got a contract" could be one of the best, most triumphant 'finishing moves' ever? Can't wait for the third season now. Pray they never cancel this series without giving the production team notice, because the subtle cliffhangers they produce are unbearable. (As in you can't wait for the resolution, not as in badly done. Just so we're clear.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
7 Weird Bits Of Star Trek Merchandise by James White
(from Total Film)
Ah Trekkies, always good for a laugh!
The 10 Most Famous Geek Arguments by Jason Clarke
(from Topless Robot)
A very entertaining read, especially if you've ever been embroiled in any/all of these... debates, which span TV, film, comics, literature and even science. Though at least one assertion suggests minimal knowledge of the topic involved: "The only Doctors [as in Doctor Who] to ever challenge [Tom] Baker's supremacy have been the Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and the current Tenth Doctor (David Tennant)". McCoy?! I love McCoy, but I don't think he's ever really troubled Baker in terms of popularity.
11 Things We Love About Terminator Salvation by Andy Lowe
(from Total Film)
They've seen it! They liked it! And here's some good stuff from it! Beware of spoilers though. It makes me want to go rewatch the first three (well, two at least) before it's out. Heck, maybe I even will.
Review of Star Trek
and
Review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
Two negative reviews of this summer's first two major blockbusters. His points on Wolverine are mostly valid, though show a lack of awareness of how the character is in the comics (fair enough, he's only reviewing the film), while his Trek review is pleasing in its different perspective from all the over-congratulatory reviews everywhere else. I can well believe everything he says is correct.
(from Total Film)
Ah Trekkies, always good for a laugh!
The 10 Most Famous Geek Arguments by Jason Clarke
(from Topless Robot)
A very entertaining read, especially if you've ever been embroiled in any/all of these... debates, which span TV, film, comics, literature and even science. Though at least one assertion suggests minimal knowledge of the topic involved: "The only Doctors [as in Doctor Who] to ever challenge [Tom] Baker's supremacy have been the Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and the current Tenth Doctor (David Tennant)". McCoy?! I love McCoy, but I don't think he's ever really troubled Baker in terms of popularity.
11 Things We Love About Terminator Salvation by Andy Lowe
(from Total Film)
They've seen it! They liked it! And here's some good stuff from it! Beware of spoilers though. It makes me want to go rewatch the first three (well, two at least) before it's out. Heck, maybe I even will.
Review of Star Trek
and
Review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
Two negative reviews of this summer's first two major blockbusters. His points on Wolverine are mostly valid, though show a lack of awareness of how the character is in the comics (fair enough, he's only reviewing the film), while his Trek review is pleasing in its different perspective from all the over-congratulatory reviews everywhere else. I can well believe everything he says is correct.
Poem of the Week: Photographs of the Notebook
by Luke Kennard
There are two common misconceptions about prose poetry:
One, that it's a bit of writing that fails to tell a story effectively or fails to sound good enough to be poetry, so is lumped somewhere in between. While I'm sure it can be this, good examples are not. Yes, they fall somewhere between the two stools of literature, but they land closer to poetry -- it is, for whatever reason, a poem in prose form.
Two, that it's very modern and avant-garde. Not so. There are examples of prose poems dating back thousands of years, especially in Japan, and even the modern 'popularity' can be dated to the mid 19th Century. Since then it's been adopted by more outside movements and steadily moved into the mainstream, but it's hardly a modern invention.
I'm no scholar on prose poetry -- in fact, I'm no scholar on poetry as a whole -- but having recently been introduced to a few examples, here's one I thought worth sharing. It exhibits many poetic qualities, but I think is also an entertaining read for anyone (especially if you're a writer). There's also an argument to be made that readers not versed in verse may find prose poetry more accessible, as it's closer to the more-widely read form.
This piece is taken from Kennard's book The Harbour Beyond the Movie, published by Salt in 2007, which was shortlisted for the 2007 Forward Poetry Prize.
There are two common misconceptions about prose poetry:
One, that it's a bit of writing that fails to tell a story effectively or fails to sound good enough to be poetry, so is lumped somewhere in between. While I'm sure it can be this, good examples are not. Yes, they fall somewhere between the two stools of literature, but they land closer to poetry -- it is, for whatever reason, a poem in prose form.
Two, that it's very modern and avant-garde. Not so. There are examples of prose poems dating back thousands of years, especially in Japan, and even the modern 'popularity' can be dated to the mid 19th Century. Since then it's been adopted by more outside movements and steadily moved into the mainstream, but it's hardly a modern invention.
I'm no scholar on prose poetry -- in fact, I'm no scholar on poetry as a whole -- but having recently been introduced to a few examples, here's one I thought worth sharing. It exhibits many poetic qualities, but I think is also an entertaining read for anyone (especially if you're a writer). There's also an argument to be made that readers not versed in verse may find prose poetry more accessible, as it's closer to the more-widely read form.
I used to keep a notebook on my person at all times -- to write down ideas, observations, openings for stories. It took me almost a year to realise that the book was hexed, that as long as I had it in my pocket or rucksack I would be blank -- not only deaf and blind to the world around me, but mute as well: unable to express even this strange impotence in anything other than silence.
I ripped out all ninety-six pages of the notebook, one by one. I filled the empty leather cover with ninety-six photographs of the notebook and had it rebound. I gave this book of photographs to an artist I know in the city. She sealed it in an envelope and mailed it to herself -- so as to copyright the idea -- but it must have been lost in the post. She is no longer speaking to me, but that's because of something else.
I shredded the ninety-six ripped-out notebook pages and used them as stuffing in a writing cushion. I took the writing cushion to a shop where it was immediately bought by an old man with pince-nez who has since died in obscurity.
I used so many cameras and films when I was taking the ninety-six photographs of the notebook. Even now a set of photographs will come back to me from the developers and among the smiling friends and rivers and parties, there will be a perfect portrait of the notebook, just there, in between us like a reminder that we're all going to die.
Today I bought a new notebook, but so far this is the only thing I have written in it.
This piece is taken from Kennard's book The Harbour Beyond the Movie, published by Salt in 2007, which was shortlisted for the 2007 Forward Poetry Prize.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
TV
The Mentalist
1x07 Seeing Red
Why do Five insist on putting their ad breaks in such odd places? I know we have Special Rules about ad breaks, meaning we can't just put them in the correct places as per the US broadcast, but I'm sure they could edit them better than this.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Wire
2x03 Hot Shots
New advertising slogan for the police, inspired by Valcheck: "Doing the right thing, for all the wrong reasons." Could sum up many characters' motivations, actually.
1x07 Seeing Red
Why do Five insist on putting their ad breaks in such odd places? I know we have Special Rules about ad breaks, meaning we can't just put them in the correct places as per the US broadcast, but I'm sure they could edit them better than this.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Wire
2x03 Hot Shots
New advertising slogan for the police, inspired by Valcheck: "Doing the right thing, for all the wrong reasons." Could sum up many characters' motivations, actually.
Films
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
[#23 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Widely slated (just 36% on the Tomatometer), but it's nothing like that bad -- which makes it, oddly, underrated.
[#23 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Widely slated (just 36% on the Tomatometer), but it's nothing like that bad -- which makes it, oddly, underrated.
Articles
Quite a few articles today, including film news and reviews (well, one), Blu-ray news, and that rarest-of-rare things here, a games-related piece.
7 Recent News Stories That Deserve To Be Movies by Sam Ashurst
(from Total Film)
So many of these sound like very good prospects for films, actually, and some of the suggested titles and taglines are bang on.
The Duke Nukem Forever List by Eli Hodapp
So Duke Nukem Forever has finally been cancelled, after 12 years in development. This article describes the project's history but, if you scroll past that, there's a list of things that have occurred in this period and cultural events that have taken less time. It's definitely worth reading, and puts DNF's ludicrously long development into perspective.
Henry Selick to work with Neil Gaiman again by Chris Hicks
(from Total Film)
After the popularity of their collaboration on Coraline (which I intend to see, y'know, sometime), this will undoubtedly be welcome news for many. I just hope it's not on Neverwhere -- don't think that would be as effective in animation. (See further down for more on Coraline.)
Review of Coraline by James Christopher
(from Times Online)
I haven't seen Coraline, but based on every other review I've read, this is wildly out of step.
Rodriguez on Sin City Blu-ray by Cindy White
(from ign.com Blu-ray)
I'm hoping to go Blu soon, which is very exciting, but it's also faintly depressing how many unwatched DVDs I own that I really, really want to upgrade. Sin City is definitely high on the list after reading how much effort has gone into the Blu-ray release and what a difference HD makes to this film in particular.
Sin City 2 Moving Forward by Cindy White
(from ign.com Movies)
Still sounds a while off, but one to look forward to.
Wolverine Sequel, Deadpool Spin-Off Announced by Brian Tallerico
(from HollywoodChicago.com)
Well now, what a surprise. (Not really.)
7 Recent News Stories That Deserve To Be Movies by Sam Ashurst
(from Total Film)
So many of these sound like very good prospects for films, actually, and some of the suggested titles and taglines are bang on.
The Duke Nukem Forever List by Eli Hodapp
So Duke Nukem Forever has finally been cancelled, after 12 years in development. This article describes the project's history but, if you scroll past that, there's a list of things that have occurred in this period and cultural events that have taken less time. It's definitely worth reading, and puts DNF's ludicrously long development into perspective.
Henry Selick to work with Neil Gaiman again by Chris Hicks
(from Total Film)
After the popularity of their collaboration on Coraline (which I intend to see, y'know, sometime), this will undoubtedly be welcome news for many. I just hope it's not on Neverwhere -- don't think that would be as effective in animation. (See further down for more on Coraline.)
Review of Coraline by James Christopher
(from Times Online)
I haven't seen Coraline, but based on every other review I've read, this is wildly out of step.
Rodriguez on Sin City Blu-ray by Cindy White
(from ign.com Blu-ray)
I'm hoping to go Blu soon, which is very exciting, but it's also faintly depressing how many unwatched DVDs I own that I really, really want to upgrade. Sin City is definitely high on the list after reading how much effort has gone into the Blu-ray release and what a difference HD makes to this film in particular.
Sin City 2 Moving Forward by Cindy White
(from ign.com Movies)
Still sounds a while off, but one to look forward to.
Wolverine Sequel, Deadpool Spin-Off Announced by Brian Tallerico
(from HollywoodChicago.com)
Well now, what a surprise. (Not really.)
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
TV
Broken Saints
Chapter 20 Inside
It's been over two months since I last watched any of BS, so it's about time to get on with it really. The pace slows again for this part (after a couple of efforts that gave the plot a good kick up the rear end), adding to the backstory of the heroes. It somehow takes 49 minutes to do this when you feel it should take a 10th of the time, but BS can't avoid its long pretentious asides.
Only four episodes left now, but as they're all among the longest there's still plenty to go -- about a quarter, in fact. Though if it can get back to the pace of recent episodes ("normal" rather than the "next to nothing" of most parts), the amount of actual story left will be immense.
The Wire
2x02 Collateral Damage
It's episodes like this that really support The Wire's "visual novel" claim -- take the brief scene with Lt. Daniels, for example, a brief aside that's the equivalent of a short chapter keeping up with his personal plotline, not connected to any of the main stories or any other character in any way. Which isn't to say it won't have an effect later, of course...
Elsewhere, the police continue their infighting and the criminals get nasty. In fact, these new gangster villains arguably begin to stretch the show's credibility a little -- whereas the first season felt very grounded and almost mundane in the way the drugs trade was handled, this feels like a different show. The Sopranos, perhaps, or almost 24. But, we'll see...
Chapter 20 Inside
It's been over two months since I last watched any of BS, so it's about time to get on with it really. The pace slows again for this part (after a couple of efforts that gave the plot a good kick up the rear end), adding to the backstory of the heroes. It somehow takes 49 minutes to do this when you feel it should take a 10th of the time, but BS can't avoid its long pretentious asides.
Only four episodes left now, but as they're all among the longest there's still plenty to go -- about a quarter, in fact. Though if it can get back to the pace of recent episodes ("normal" rather than the "next to nothing" of most parts), the amount of actual story left will be immense.
The Wire
2x02 Collateral Damage
It's episodes like this that really support The Wire's "visual novel" claim -- take the brief scene with Lt. Daniels, for example, a brief aside that's the equivalent of a short chapter keeping up with his personal plotline, not connected to any of the main stories or any other character in any way. Which isn't to say it won't have an effect later, of course...
Elsewhere, the police continue their infighting and the criminals get nasty. In fact, these new gangster villains arguably begin to stretch the show's credibility a little -- whereas the first season felt very grounded and almost mundane in the way the drugs trade was handled, this feels like a different show. The Sopranos, perhaps, or almost 24. But, we'll see...
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Poetry
The Nation's Favourite Comic Poems, edited by Griff Rhys Jones
Foreword
Pages 13 - 126
As ever in an anthology with such a title there's a mix of the well-known and the obscure, the hilariously funny and the rather damp.
Despite being originally published to tie-in with the BBC's hunt for the country's favourite poem (over a decade ago now!), it's currently available in a 2008 reprint from BBC Books. Although the RRP is £6.99, the ever-wonderful Book People have a collection of six Nation's Favourite Poem books for that price. Certainly worth a look.
Foreword
Pages 13 - 126
As ever in an anthology with such a title there's a mix of the well-known and the obscure, the hilariously funny and the rather damp.
Despite being originally published to tie-in with the BBC's hunt for the country's favourite poem (over a decade ago now!), it's currently available in a 2008 reprint from BBC Books. Although the RRP is £6.99, the ever-wonderful Book People have a collection of six Nation's Favourite Poem books for that price. Certainly worth a look.
Articles
Memos to Hollywood by Manohla Dargis & A.O. Scott
(from The New York Times)
Funny and insightful series of fake memos to filmmakers & co telling them how to make movies better. All very true.
What's The Most Memorable Post-Credits Goodie? by Chris Hewitt
(from the Empire Blog)
With news that Wolverine has anywhere from two to six different post-credits scenes in an attempt to lure fans to cinemas after the film's final cut leaked online, Empire ponders which other films have especially memorable hidden scenes. Their assertion it's a new phenomenon is interesting -- it's been going on for decades, especially in comedies; it's just that it's become very popular recently. Personally, I find them very irritating, and often just wait to fast-forward a DVD to find them.
(from The New York Times)
Funny and insightful series of fake memos to filmmakers & co telling them how to make movies better. All very true.
What's The Most Memorable Post-Credits Goodie? by Chris Hewitt
(from the Empire Blog)
With news that Wolverine has anywhere from two to six different post-credits scenes in an attempt to lure fans to cinemas after the film's final cut leaked online, Empire ponders which other films have especially memorable hidden scenes. Their assertion it's a new phenomenon is interesting -- it's been going on for decades, especially in comedies; it's just that it's become very popular recently. Personally, I find them very irritating, and often just wait to fast-forward a DVD to find them.
Mad Men 2x12: The Mountain King
Bloody brilliant! This is why Mad Men wins BAFTAs, Emmys and Golden Globes, and deserves every last one.
I was surprised The Wire didn't take the BAFTA this year, but Mad Men is a long, long way from being an unjustifiable choice. In fact, it pulls many of the same high-quality tricks as The Wire (this episode, for example, explains a mystery from way back in episode one that hasn't even been alluded to since, and does so in a way that may even go unnoticed by most viewers), but I suspect that the lack of semi-comprehensible 'different culture' ghetto dialogue and storylines holds it back from the intellectual praise places like The Guardian heap on that other series because those writers can't sit around being proud they "get it" even though it's not their culture.
(Cynical? Me? Never!)
I'm currently a week behind, so this season's final episode was shown on BBC Four this evening. I'll be getting round to it ASAP, though based on the first season I expect we'll have a cliffhanger to endure until the third season begins (in August in the US -- I hope we don't have to wait as long as we did for season two).
I was surprised The Wire didn't take the BAFTA this year, but Mad Men is a long, long way from being an unjustifiable choice. In fact, it pulls many of the same high-quality tricks as The Wire (this episode, for example, explains a mystery from way back in episode one that hasn't even been alluded to since, and does so in a way that may even go unnoticed by most viewers), but I suspect that the lack of semi-comprehensible 'different culture' ghetto dialogue and storylines holds it back from the intellectual praise places like The Guardian heap on that other series because those writers can't sit around being proud they "get it" even though it's not their culture.
(Cynical? Me? Never!)
I'm currently a week behind, so this season's final episode was shown on BBC Four this evening. I'll be getting round to it ASAP, though based on the first season I expect we'll have a cliffhanger to endure until the third season begins (in August in the US -- I hope we don't have to wait as long as we did for season two).
The Wire 2x01: Ebb Tide
The Wire's back, negating my previous concerns. Hurrah!
So it's a new season and a new story -- not that the events of the previous one have been forgotten. Far from it, in fact, as what remains of the Barksdale gang struggle on with new problems despite the investigation being over. What those problems are exactly remains unclear though, as The Wire sticks to its opaque style of storytelling, arguably more than ever.
This first episode is mostly catch-up and set-up: alongside seeing where (most of) the first season's team have been shoved away to, there's a raft of new characters at the docks. I can see how this complete change must've been unsettling for viewers expecting more of the same, but the variety and new mystery seem pleasantly fresh. This production team know what they're doing, and I wager it'll pay to trust them and go with it.
That said, my main fear is that it could go the way of Damages. There, an excellent first season has been followed by a bit of a scrappy second, which tried to juggle hanging plots from the first season with a brand new one. The result is a bit of a mess, a result I'm hoping The Wire won't emulate.
(I say "emulate" -- The Wire did its second season years before Damages even began.)
So it's a new season and a new story -- not that the events of the previous one have been forgotten. Far from it, in fact, as what remains of the Barksdale gang struggle on with new problems despite the investigation being over. What those problems are exactly remains unclear though, as The Wire sticks to its opaque style of storytelling, arguably more than ever.
This first episode is mostly catch-up and set-up: alongside seeing where (most of) the first season's team have been shoved away to, there's a raft of new characters at the docks. I can see how this complete change must've been unsettling for viewers expecting more of the same, but the variety and new mystery seem pleasantly fresh. This production team know what they're doing, and I wager it'll pay to trust them and go with it.
That said, my main fear is that it could go the way of Damages. There, an excellent first season has been followed by a bit of a scrappy second, which tried to juggle hanging plots from the first season with a brand new one. The result is a bit of a mess, a result I'm hoping The Wire won't emulate.
(I say "emulate" -- The Wire did its second season years before Damages even began.)
Monday, 4 May 2009
Articles
Deja View by Darren Bignell
(from LOVEFiLM)
"Ever noticed how a film of a certain specific type will emerge, and before you know it, there's another on the self-same topic coming out too? Often separated by only a matter of weeks? It happens more often than you'd think..."
This is a phenomenon I've oft noticed, though here the well-known examples (Armageddon/Deep Impact, Antz/A Bug's Life) are accompanied by some more obscure (who knew Top Gun or Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves both had twins?), and some which stretch it with release dates a year (or more) apart. Interesting read though.
(from LOVEFiLM)
"Ever noticed how a film of a certain specific type will emerge, and before you know it, there's another on the self-same topic coming out too? Often separated by only a matter of weeks? It happens more often than you'd think..."
This is a phenomenon I've oft noticed, though here the well-known examples (Armageddon/Deep Impact, Antz/A Bug's Life) are accompanied by some more obscure (who knew Top Gun or Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves both had twins?), and some which stretch it with release dates a year (or more) apart. Interesting read though.
new review at 100 Films
Big Nothing (2006)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Across its running time — and mostly in the opening half-hour — Big Nothing jumps wildly from mundane comedy to confidence scam thriller to black comedy to geeky spoof... It does settle down however, improving immensely once it gets on with telling its (still loopy) story and stops trying to impress with flashy tricks.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
TV
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
1x03 The Boy With an African Heart
No.1 Ladies'... is done a great disservice by many critics, and this episode especially shows how it can be funny and lovely but also surprisingly moving. In short, what Sunday night drama should be.
Orangutan Diary
2x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
Part recap, part catchup, occasional behind-the-scenes bits.
1x03 The Boy With an African Heart
No.1 Ladies'... is done a great disservice by many critics, and this episode especially shows how it can be funny and lovely but also surprisingly moving. In short, what Sunday night drama should be.
Orangutan Diary
2x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
Part recap, part catchup, occasional behind-the-scenes bits.
Articles
A Peek At The 100 Million Views Club: You Won’t Be Invited Any Time Soon by Robin Wauters
(from TechCrunch)
Someone's worked out the 100 most-watched viral videos of all time, and here Wauters perceptively tells us why they're not so virally after all.
(from TechCrunch)
Someone's worked out the 100 most-watched viral videos of all time, and here Wauters perceptively tells us why they're not so virally after all.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
TV
I've Never Seen Star Wars
1x08 Esther Rantzen [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x06 Episode 6
The plot is as oddly meandering as ever, and the Governmental villains are typically frustrating, but someone had a lot of fun directing and in the editing suite this week. Plus, the bird/car chase through a forest was a genuinely fantastic action sequence.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Robin Hood
3x06 Do You Love Me?
Prince John is brilliant, exactly what the series needs. Long live Toby Stephens!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x08 Esther Rantzen [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x06 Episode 6
The plot is as oddly meandering as ever, and the Governmental villains are typically frustrating, but someone had a lot of fun directing and in the editing suite this week. Plus, the bird/car chase through a forest was a genuinely fantastic action sequence.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Robin Hood
3x06 Do You Love Me?
Prince John is brilliant, exactly what the series needs. Long live Toby Stephens!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Airplane! (1980)
[#21 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
One of the many films on my (imaginary) list of "films it's unbelievable I haven't seen". I think, if it were real, it would be a fairly long list.
[#21 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
One of the many films on my (imaginary) list of "films it's unbelievable I haven't seen". I think, if it were real, it would be a fairly long list.
Magazines
Doctor Who Magazine #408
Lots of letters about last issue's Christopher H Bidmead interview... which I still haven't read. Elsewhere, next-to-no news. Long way 'til there's more Who on telly yet.
Radio Times 2-8 May 2009
Amongst all its usual goodness, this RT includes an excellent article about the job of Sundays. It's by Alexander Armstrong and it's on page 14, and I'm sorry I'm only mentioning it when this issue has two days left on sale.
What Hi-Fi? May 2009
Looking for a new TV and a Blu-ray player, so what better place than an expert mag with a buyer's guide? The next issue (out in just a few days) may have a "Budget Blu-ray Shootout" to find the best low-cost player, but this issue's review of the Panasonic DMP-BD60 has me quite convinced (that linked-to one is different to the one in the magazine, though covers more-or-less the same points). It's especially attractive as I know I can get it chipped to play any region, an essential addition for me. Super!
Lots of letters about last issue's Christopher H Bidmead interview... which I still haven't read. Elsewhere, next-to-no news. Long way 'til there's more Who on telly yet.
Radio Times 2-8 May 2009
Amongst all its usual goodness, this RT includes an excellent article about the job of Sundays. It's by Alexander Armstrong and it's on page 14, and I'm sorry I'm only mentioning it when this issue has two days left on sale.
What Hi-Fi? May 2009
Looking for a new TV and a Blu-ray player, so what better place than an expert mag with a buyer's guide? The next issue (out in just a few days) may have a "Budget Blu-ray Shootout" to find the best low-cost player, but this issue's review of the Panasonic DMP-BD60 has me quite convinced (that linked-to one is different to the one in the magazine, though covers more-or-less the same points). It's especially attractive as I know I can get it chipped to play any region, an essential addition for me. Super!
Friday, 1 May 2009
TV
Boy Meets Girl
Part 1 (of 4)
ITV's much-promoted new bodyswap series is pretty good, though one wonders how it's going to sustain four whole episodes. The best thing (by far) is Rachael Stirling's lead performance, an impressive imitation of Martin Freeman's character.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Omid Djalili Show
2x02 Episode 2
Colin Salmon as James Bond! Making many Bond fans very happy, I'm sure.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Robin Hood
3x05 Let the Games Commence
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 1 (of 4)
ITV's much-promoted new bodyswap series is pretty good, though one wonders how it's going to sustain four whole episodes. The best thing (by far) is Rachael Stirling's lead performance, an impressive imitation of Martin Freeman's character.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Omid Djalili Show
2x02 Episode 2
Colin Salmon as James Bond! Making many Bond fans very happy, I'm sure.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Robin Hood
3x05 Let the Games Commence
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Poem of the Week: Verse and Subversion Go Hand in Hand, but Whither?
by Kit Wright
A non-poetry-lover's poem. If you can get past its occasional deliberately-self-aware poetic style, that is. Kit Wright is one of the more enjoyable poets I've been experiencing recently so expect to see more of his work here in the future.
Taken from Hoping It Might Be So: Poems 1974-2000, a long collection that "brings together all of Kit Wright’s previous collections for adults as well as three dozen new poems". This is one of those new poems, first published in 2000. Hoping It Might Be So is currently in print from Faber Finds (a Faber & Faber imprint, of course).
A non-poetry-lover's poem. If you can get past its occasional deliberately-self-aware poetic style, that is. Kit Wright is one of the more enjoyable poets I've been experiencing recently so expect to see more of his work here in the future.
An automatic and unquestioned nostrum
Currently purveyed from page and stage and rostrum
Is that all true verse, diminutive or discursive
Is subversive.
Oh never ask subversive of what!
It is not only the Armani Anarchist who will then berate you as a sans-culotte;
Nor the Gucci Guerilla alone, nor soley the Alternative
Millionaire,
But everyone from everywhere.
On no account enquire how it subverts or with what degrees of success;
You will then be deemed a dinosaur and an undesirable denizen of Loch Ness.
Oh hear the binding law from which there is no severance:
About all things shalt thou be
Irreverent, except
Irreverence:
A paradoxical orthodoxy upon the air dispersive --
And I think I may have said something mildly subversive.
Taken from Hoping It Might Be So: Poems 1974-2000, a long collection that "brings together all of Kit Wright’s previous collections for adults as well as three dozen new poems". This is one of those new poems, first published in 2000. Hoping It Might Be So is currently in print from Faber Finds (a Faber & Faber imprint, of course).
Thursday, 30 April 2009
TV
Mad Men
2x11 The Jet Set
Shocking surprises and windy twists -- hurrah! Mad Men certainly seems to be building up to a big finale.
Have also realised that the lead character has an amusing name for us British viewers: he goes by the name Don Draper, though his secretive real name is Dick Whitman -- making him Dick/Don. Which sounds a bit like Dick & Dom. Hilarity ensues, I assure you.
The Mentalist
1x06 Red-Handed
This episode manages to both avoid Most Recognisable Guest Star Syndrome and be accurate to real theories, applications and abilities of mentalism (as does the rest of the series). Brilliant.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
2x11 The Jet Set
Shocking surprises and windy twists -- hurrah! Mad Men certainly seems to be building up to a big finale.
Have also realised that the lead character has an amusing name for us British viewers: he goes by the name Don Draper, though his secretive real name is Dick Whitman -- making him Dick/Don. Which sounds a bit like Dick & Dom. Hilarity ensues, I assure you.
The Mentalist
1x06 Red-Handed
This episode manages to both avoid Most Recognisable Guest Star Syndrome and be accurate to real theories, applications and abilities of mentalism (as does the rest of the series). Brilliant.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Poetry
Hoping It Might Be So: Poems 1974-2000 by Kit Wright
Bump-Starting the Hearse (1984) (pages 97-119)
Initially, my favourite section of this volume. Slightly more variable as it continues, but generally more consistent.
Bump-Starting the Hearse (1984) (pages 97-119)
Initially, my favourite section of this volume. Slightly more variable as it continues, but generally more consistent.
Articles
8 Awesome Cases of Internet Vigilantism by Ian Fortey
(from CRACKED.com)
True stories of when the Internet does good.
If Everything Was Made by Microsoft by CRACKED Readers
(from CRACKED.com)
Some Photoshopped funniness for today. Naturally some are more bemusing than amusing, but others are very good. An easy target, maybe, but a funny one.
The Problem With 3-D by Daniel Engber
(from Slate)
Excellent article about why 3D films might not take off this time either.
Review of State of Play by gproject
(from Slate Scrawl)
A good review of this week's number 1 film at the UK box office, coming at it from the perspective of a newcomer -- unlike mine. (Incidentally: yes, this review does mention me; no, that's not the only reason I'm mentioning it.)
(from CRACKED.com)
True stories of when the Internet does good.
If Everything Was Made by Microsoft by CRACKED Readers
(from CRACKED.com)
Some Photoshopped funniness for today. Naturally some are more bemusing than amusing, but others are very good. An easy target, maybe, but a funny one.
The Problem With 3-D by Daniel Engber
(from Slate)
Excellent article about why 3D films might not take off this time either.
Review of State of Play by gproject
(from Slate Scrawl)
A good review of this week's number 1 film at the UK box office, coming at it from the perspective of a newcomer -- unlike mine. (Incidentally: yes, this review does mention me; no, that's not the only reason I'm mentioning it.)
new review at 100 Films
Cut (2009)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Is Cut an advert or is it a film?
It’s an advert, isn’t it? But it shouldn’t've been blocked from TV, which has incensed me enough to pretend it’s a film for the purposes of my little corner of the Internet.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
TV
Cracker
2x05 The Big Crunch Part 2
I do like a good, well-written drama where none-more-moral Christians end up aborting, murdering and causing suicide. There are few more open to corruption for personal gain than the none-more-moral-than-we.
Once again, I thoroughly look forward to Fitz getting his hands on them in Part 3.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
I've Never Seen Star Wars
1x07 David Davis
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Speaker
1x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
Duncan? Duncan?! No. He should've gone out weeks ago, if not right at the start, and certainly didn't deserve to win. While his speeches were well written his delivery was like a used car salesman crossed with a spin doctor, and as endlessly irritating as that sounds. Irene, on the other hand, spoke well and intelligently, touching without being irritating. What a mistake.
As for the series, though marred in early rounds by tasks that weren't really relevant to the series' aim, and though they picked an appalling winner, it had a very positive message and was clearly a positive experience for many involved. It wouldn't hurt to see them have another go.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x05 The Big Crunch Part 2
I do like a good, well-written drama where none-more-moral Christians end up aborting, murdering and causing suicide. There are few more open to corruption for personal gain than the none-more-moral-than-we.
Once again, I thoroughly look forward to Fitz getting his hands on them in Part 3.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
I've Never Seen Star Wars
1x07 David Davis
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Speaker
1x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
Duncan? Duncan?! No. He should've gone out weeks ago, if not right at the start, and certainly didn't deserve to win. While his speeches were well written his delivery was like a used car salesman crossed with a spin doctor, and as endlessly irritating as that sounds. Irene, on the other hand, spoke well and intelligently, touching without being irritating. What a mistake.
As for the series, though marred in early rounds by tasks that weren't really relevant to the series' aim, and though they picked an appalling winner, it had a very positive message and was clearly a positive experience for many involved. It wouldn't hurt to see them have another go.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Cut (2009)
[#20a in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
For more on this film, and to watch it for free, look here.
Is it a film or an advert? I'll post my review soon and debate it (a little) there.
[#20a in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
For more on this film, and to watch it for free, look here.
Is it a film or an advert? I'll post my review soon and debate it (a little) there.
Articles
10 Funniest Typos ever
(from Oddee.com)
They're not all great (I'm not even sure one's a typo), but others are worth it -- "Reliability ...always upholding the highest standards for every detal".
12 Worst Photoshop Mistakes Ever
(from Oddee.com)
Again, I'm not sure they're the worst ever -- surely the Minister who had himself Photoshopped into the photo of an event he didn't bother to attend is a bigger "Photoshop mistake" than a poor attempt at making someone fatter/thinner -- but they are funny.
Cool poster redesigns for classic films
(from Live for Films)
Retro/arthouse poster designs for classic (and modern classic) movies. Those given the treatment include Die Hard, The Dark Knight, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and four others. They're by a designer/artist called Olly Moss, whose website contains much more of his work, including a number of nice T-shirt designs.
(from Oddee.com)
They're not all great (I'm not even sure one's a typo), but others are worth it -- "Reliability ...always upholding the highest standards for every detal".
12 Worst Photoshop Mistakes Ever
(from Oddee.com)
Again, I'm not sure they're the worst ever -- surely the Minister who had himself Photoshopped into the photo of an event he didn't bother to attend is a bigger "Photoshop mistake" than a poor attempt at making someone fatter/thinner -- but they are funny.
Cool poster redesigns for classic films
(from Live for Films)
Retro/arthouse poster designs for classic (and modern classic) movies. Those given the treatment include Die Hard, The Dark Knight, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and four others. They're by a designer/artist called Olly Moss, whose website contains much more of his work, including a number of nice T-shirt designs.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
TV
Argumental
2x05 (27/4/09 edition)
Sean Hughes may as well have stayed at home; Reginald D. Hunter was as brilliant as ever. A well deserved win for the Blue team this week -- Rufus' first of the series!
Mad Men
2x10 The Inheritance
A rare thing: this episode contained a scene in which I actually liked Pete Campbell. Gasps all round. Does this make me a bad person?
The Speaker
1x07 Episode 7
Duncan's improving, though he managed to cancel that out with a depressingly religious speech. I'd still rather anyone but him stayed in. I hope to God he isn't the winner...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x05 (27/4/09 edition)
Sean Hughes may as well have stayed at home; Reginald D. Hunter was as brilliant as ever. A well deserved win for the Blue team this week -- Rufus' first of the series!
Mad Men
2x10 The Inheritance
A rare thing: this episode contained a scene in which I actually liked Pete Campbell. Gasps all round. Does this make me a bad person?
The Speaker
1x07 Episode 7
Duncan's improving, though he managed to cancel that out with a depressingly religious speech. I'd still rather anyone but him stayed in. I hope to God he isn't the winner...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Rashomon (1950) by Cal
(from Heroes of the East)
Nice review.
Review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) by Nick de Semlyen
(from Empire)
Short summary: "oh dear".
(from Heroes of the East)
Nice review.
Review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) by Nick de Semlyen
(from Empire)
Short summary: "oh dear".
new review at 100 Films
Anne Frank Remembered (1995)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
this Oscar-winning documentary exposes the ‘untold story’ of Anne Frank. [It] reflects on Anne herself, and what it uncovers is not always positive. Such an honest approach could be contentious, but its attempt to uncover the truth — rather than paint a false saintly picture — is admirable... an essential companion piece to one of the most famous and important documents of the Second World War.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Monday, 27 April 2009
TV
Ashes to Ashes
2x02 Episode Two
Another highly entertaining -- and, actually, increasingly thoughtful -- episode of Ashes. They're handling the corruption plot very well so far, and it seems a sensible move not to have dragged out the "is Gene corrupt?" storyline for too long.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Damages
2x10 Uh-Oh, Out Come the Skeletons
The muddled plot muddles on. Will it ever get genuinely good again? Hopefully this season can resolve all the ongoing bollocks and start afresh next year.
The Graham Norton Show
5x07 (23/4/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x02 Episode Two
Another highly entertaining -- and, actually, increasingly thoughtful -- episode of Ashes. They're handling the corruption plot very well so far, and it seems a sensible move not to have dragged out the "is Gene corrupt?" storyline for too long.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Damages
2x10 Uh-Oh, Out Come the Skeletons
The muddled plot muddles on. Will it ever get genuinely good again? Hopefully this season can resolve all the ongoing bollocks and start afresh next year.
The Graham Norton Show
5x07 (23/4/09 edition, uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Knightley domestic violence advert banned by Lara Martin
(from Digital Spy)
See here for some of my thoughts, where you can also see the clip in question.
Sky1 acquires House from Five by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
Disappointing news. Sky have an annoying habit of poaching TV shows from others.
(from Digital Spy)
See here for some of my thoughts, where you can also see the clip in question.
Sky1 acquires House from Five by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
Disappointing news. Sky have an annoying habit of poaching TV shows from others.
Clearcast support domestic violence
Mmm, sensationalist title. But read on:
What idiots.
The one bright side to this is that their stupid decision has received a fair degree of coverage, which will hopefully raise awareness further.
Read the full story at Digital Spy. Check out the campaign on Women's Aid's website.
Also, here's the advert in question. Be warned, it contains appropriately hard-hitting material that the censors don't want you to see:
You can also see the film in HD (or, at least, higher definition) on YouTube and at CutMovie.co.uk.
An anti-domestic violence advert starring Keira Knightley has been banned from television after being deemed too shocking for audiences.
The Women's Aid commercial, which has already been aired on YouTube and in cinemas, shows the actress being accused of having an affair, before she is thrown to the ground and repeatedly kicked by her boyfriend.
However, Clearcast, the body that censors adverts for Ofcom, has ruled that the promo cannot be aired unless the violent scenes are removed.
What idiots.
The one bright side to this is that their stupid decision has received a fair degree of coverage, which will hopefully raise awareness further.
Read the full story at Digital Spy. Check out the campaign on Women's Aid's website.
Also, here's the advert in question. Be warned, it contains appropriately hard-hitting material that the censors don't want you to see:
You can also see the film in HD (or, at least, higher definition) on YouTube and at CutMovie.co.uk.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
TV
The British Academy Television Awards 2009
Many worthy winners, some worthier losers, many under-appreciated jokes, and a jibe at the criminally useless Ed Balls.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Horne & Corden
1x04 Episode 4
Not exactly underrated, but better than many would have you believe.
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
1x02 Poison
Robin Hood
3x04 Sins of the Father
Finishing up after what happened yesterday.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Many worthy winners, some worthier losers, many under-appreciated jokes, and a jibe at the criminally useless Ed Balls.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Horne & Corden
1x04 Episode 4
Not exactly underrated, but better than many would have you believe.
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
1x02 Poison
Robin Hood
3x04 Sins of the Father
Finishing up after what happened yesterday.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Amstell quits BBC's Buzzcocks by Sarah Rollo
(from Digital Spy)
Shame, he's been an excellent host.
Fry & Laurie 'would love TV reconciliation' by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
I'm still upset that Fry & Laurie never played Holmes & Watson, and that was planned years ago. Fry's ideas for a guest spot on House are all really good though:
"I quite like the idea of being a ruder doctor than Hugh -- one that is even ruder than he is to patients and staff. That would be quite amusing. Or one who is so unbelievably nice but a better diagnostician than he is!"
Gripesville 1 - 9 by ghostof82
(from Musings of the Ghost of 82)
Nine problems with modern movies. Many of them are very agreeable-with.
See-Through Screens
(from Amazing! Incredible!)
Computers with see-through monitors. Very cleverly done.
(from Digital Spy)
Shame, he's been an excellent host.
Fry & Laurie 'would love TV reconciliation' by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
I'm still upset that Fry & Laurie never played Holmes & Watson, and that was planned years ago. Fry's ideas for a guest spot on House are all really good though:
"I quite like the idea of being a ruder doctor than Hugh -- one that is even ruder than he is to patients and staff. That would be quite amusing. Or one who is so unbelievably nice but a better diagnostician than he is!"
Gripesville 1 - 9 by ghostof82
(from Musings of the Ghost of 82)
Nine problems with modern movies. Many of them are very agreeable-with.
See-Through Screens
(from Amazing! Incredible!)
Computers with see-through monitors. Very cleverly done.
Doctor Who news
Thanks to the wonder that is twitter, it's now confirmed that, despite earlier reports, Skins actress Hannah Murray definitely isn't the next Doctor Who companion. I leave it to Lizo Mzimba's tweets to report in full:
She's a decent enough actress and wouldn't've been bad casting, especially as it'll be a challenge to find anyone who actually looks young than Matt Smith.
News hot off the press. Just spoke to the lovely Hannah Murray who says she definitely isn't going to be Matt Smith's assitant in Dr Who.
Hannah Murray said: It was something I could never consider cos I'm doing a degree at the moment so I could never commit to a show that big.
Hannah Murray continued re rumours: "That was never founded in fact." And re-asserted that companion was "definitely not" going to be her.
She's a decent enough actress and wouldn't've been bad casting, especially as it'll be a challenge to find anyone who actually looks young than Matt Smith.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
TV
HD on BBC iPlayer is rubbish. Keep reading to find out why...
Have I Got News For You
37x01 (24/4/09 edition; uncut repeat)
Hurrah! It's great to have HIGNFY back -- why can't it be on all year round?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x05 Episode 5
Probably Primeval's most ludicrous episode yet -- and that's saying something. Riddled with plot and logic holes, which is a shame because the basic ideas here have such potential.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Robin Hood
3x04 Sins of the Father
I was quite excited by the prospect of using BBC iPlayer to watch content in HD legally. This was my trial run... and it was appalling. Playback frequently dropped as low as one frame-per-second and the compression was blocky -- not what you expect from HD! Ran out of time to finish it before HIGNFY was on so will have to catch the rest on regular TV iPlayer another time. So much for iPlayer, back to less-than-legal downloads it.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
37x01 (24/4/09 edition; uncut repeat)
Hurrah! It's great to have HIGNFY back -- why can't it be on all year round?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x05 Episode 5
Probably Primeval's most ludicrous episode yet -- and that's saying something. Riddled with plot and logic holes, which is a shame because the basic ideas here have such potential.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Robin Hood
3x04 Sins of the Father
I was quite excited by the prospect of using BBC iPlayer to watch content in HD legally. This was my trial run... and it was appalling. Playback frequently dropped as low as one frame-per-second and the compression was blocky -- not what you expect from HD! Ran out of time to finish it before HIGNFY was on so will have to catch the rest on regular TV iPlayer another time. So much for iPlayer, back to less-than-legal downloads it.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Poetry
Hoping It Might Be So: Poems 1974-2000 by Kit Wright
Hoping It Might Be So (2000)
Short Afternoons (1989) (pages 45-55)
Collecting all of Kit Wright's books for adult readers published between (can you guess?) 1974 and 2000. Some very funny, satirical stuff. Some of it a bit densely poetic for me.
Hoping It Might Be So (2000)
Short Afternoons (1989) (pages 45-55)
Collecting all of Kit Wright's books for adult readers published between (can you guess?) 1974 and 2000. Some very funny, satirical stuff. Some of it a bit densely poetic for me.
Music
Chinese Democracy by Guns N' Roses
I got this album as a free legal digital download around Christmastime, when Amazon UK briefly (as in, for one day) offered a free MP3 album to anyone who wanted it. But this is why I usually avoid paid-for downloads: if it were a CD I'd've listened to it more-or-less immediately; as a download, I forgot about it for four months.
Despite years (literally) of anticipation, it managed to receive fairly good reviews on release (at least, that was my impression -- I don't really follow music reviews/journalism) and I can see why. Whereas some good albums require a listen or two to get into, much of Chinese Democracy is instantly likable. It's not a revolutionary step in GnR's output, but if this is your kind of music then it's enjoyable.
Stand-out tracks (after a listen and a half) were:
Shackler's Revenge
Better
There Was a Time
Scraped
I.R.S.
Madagascar
I don't think the last one has anything to do with the films.
As a Queen fan, I'd also like to point out that one track, Catcher in the Rye, may or may not feature guitarist Brian May -- a leaked 1999 version did, but apparently the CD doesn't credit him.
I got this album as a free legal digital download around Christmastime, when Amazon UK briefly (as in, for one day) offered a free MP3 album to anyone who wanted it. But this is why I usually avoid paid-for downloads: if it were a CD I'd've listened to it more-or-less immediately; as a download, I forgot about it for four months.
Despite years (literally) of anticipation, it managed to receive fairly good reviews on release (at least, that was my impression -- I don't really follow music reviews/journalism) and I can see why. Whereas some good albums require a listen or two to get into, much of Chinese Democracy is instantly likable. It's not a revolutionary step in GnR's output, but if this is your kind of music then it's enjoyable.
Stand-out tracks (after a listen and a half) were:
I don't think the last one has anything to do with the films.
As a Queen fan, I'd also like to point out that one track, Catcher in the Rye, may or may not feature guitarist Brian May -- a leaked 1999 version did, but apparently the CD doesn't credit him.
Articles
Harry Potter Deathly Hallows by Helen O'Hara
(from Empire)
That title tells you nothing, doesn't it? The subtitle is better: "How they're splitting the final film". No one reveals where they're doing it, of course, though it's intriguing that they settled on a point and then moved it to a different one. Very intriguing. Also discussed is how they might handle the "19 Years Later" epilogue, in more detail than where that breakpoint is.
Talking with John “DJ” Des Jardin
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
A solid interview about the special visual effects on Watchmen, including some of what we can expect from the Director's Cut.
(from Empire)
That title tells you nothing, doesn't it? The subtitle is better: "How they're splitting the final film". No one reveals where they're doing it, of course, though it's intriguing that they settled on a point and then moved it to a different one. Very intriguing. Also discussed is how they might handle the "19 Years Later" epilogue, in more detail than where that breakpoint is.
Talking with John “DJ” Des Jardin
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
A solid interview about the special visual effects on Watchmen, including some of what we can expect from the Director's Cut.
new review at 100 Films
Runaway Train (1985)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
The focus on a high concept, emphasis on exciting action sequences, the way the plot is structured, the faintly pantomime villains, comical supporting characters, and occasional slips into fantasy — none of these elements suggest your typical Oscar nominee.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 24 April 2009
TV
Cracker
2x04 The Big Crunch Part 1
Ah, Evil Christians -- a brilliant episode! Can't wait 'til Fitz gets his hands on them, it should be priceless.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
2x04 The Big Crunch Part 1
Ah, Evil Christians -- a brilliant episode! Can't wait 'til Fitz gets his hands on them, it should be priceless.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Articles
The Finished/Theatrical Version Of Wolverine Has Been Seen!! Just How Different Is It From That Workprint?? by Merrick
(from Ain't It Cool News)
Answer: it's exactly the same (apart from effects and sound fixes), apparently. Oops.
For him by Andrew Collins
(from Never Knowingly Underwhelmed)
A hilarious perspective on Crank 2. One of my favourite reviews ever.
Robert Rodriguez's Predators officially confirmed today! by Quint
(from Ain't It Cool News)
And just after I watched them all too!
(from Ain't It Cool News)
Answer: it's exactly the same (apart from effects and sound fixes), apparently. Oops.
For him by Andrew Collins
(from Never Knowingly Underwhelmed)
A hilarious perspective on Crank 2. One of my favourite reviews ever.
Robert Rodriguez's Predators officially confirmed today! by Quint
(from Ain't It Cool News)
And just after I watched them all too!
Poem of the Week: Gateway to the Atlantic
by Roger McGough
While I was generally quite down on Slapstick when I covered it yesterday, it still has a decent number of worthwhile poems. Here's one of my early favourites because of its nice rhyme and rhythm, as well as a fairly clear topic and theme.
As mentioned above, Gateway to the Atlantic is taken from Slapstick (aka Slapstick Poems), McGough's 2008 collection published by Puffin.
While I was generally quite down on Slapstick when I covered it yesterday, it still has a decent number of worthwhile poems. Here's one of my early favourites because of its nice rhyme and rhythm, as well as a fairly clear topic and theme.
I am the warm hello and the sad farewell
I am the path to glory and the road to hell
I am the gull on the wing and the salt in the air
I am the night patrol and the morning prayer
I am the port register, read the names with pride
I am the thickening fog and the quickening tide
I am the ferryboat, the slaver, the man-o'-war
I am the keeper of the quays, welcome ashore
I am the starstruck, eternal romantic
I am the gateway to the Atlantic.
As mentioned above, Gateway to the Atlantic is taken from Slapstick (aka Slapstick Poems), McGough's 2008 collection published by Puffin.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
TV
The Mentalist
1x04 Ladies in Red
1x05 Redwood
[Watch Ladies in Red and Redwood again on Demand Five.]
The Wire
1x13 Sentencing [season finale]
Look here for my thoughts on this episode, and the season as a whole.
1x04 Ladies in Red
1x05 Redwood
[Watch Ladies in Red and Redwood again on Demand Five.]
The Wire
1x13 Sentencing [season finale]
Look here for my thoughts on this episode, and the season as a whole.
Poetry
Slapstick (aka Slapstick Poems) by Roger McGough
McGough is a well-respected poet for good reason, though that's not always evident in this collection. That's not because it's aimed at kids -- I love poetry for kids -- but because some of it falls down on issues of rhythm, pace, or the be-all-and-end-all of poetry, sounding good.
Others are great (and destined for Poem of the Week) and others still depend -- not just "benefit from", but depend -- on the illustrations of Adam Stower... yet he doesn't get a credit on the cover. In fact, he's only mentioned once, on page three. Poor Adam Stower. His excellent illustrations are to be found accompanying every poem and he deserves more mention, I feel -- I frequently enjoyed his art more than the piece it was attached to.
McGough is a well-respected poet for good reason, though that's not always evident in this collection. That's not because it's aimed at kids -- I love poetry for kids -- but because some of it falls down on issues of rhythm, pace, or the be-all-and-end-all of poetry, sounding good.
Others are great (and destined for Poem of the Week) and others still depend -- not just "benefit from", but depend -- on the illustrations of Adam Stower... yet he doesn't get a credit on the cover. In fact, he's only mentioned once, on page three. Poor Adam Stower. His excellent illustrations are to be found accompanying every poem and he deserves more mention, I feel -- I frequently enjoyed his art more than the piece it was attached to.
Articles
Quite a lot of articles today (10, in fact), so here they are split into three groups. First, the most articley of articles...
Outlander Vs State Of Play or, The Premise Vs Plot Dilemma by Helen O'Hara
(from the Empire Blog)
A very thoughtful and thought-provoking article on the amount of hype drummed up by some movies, and their consequent box office success, and the lack of chatter on others, and their consequent box office failure -- essentially, "woah, cool" movies for the former and more intelligent movies for the latter. Recommended reading for all, I say.
The Play’s The Thing - An Easy Guide To Liking Shakespeare Onscreen by Helen O'Hara
(from the Empire Blog)
Does more or less what it says on the tin, and does it well I think.
Outlander Vs State Of Play or, The Premise Vs Plot Dilemma by Helen O'Hara
(from the Empire Blog)
A very thoughtful and thought-provoking article on the amount of hype drummed up by some movies, and their consequent box office success, and the lack of chatter on others, and their consequent box office failure -- essentially, "woah, cool" movies for the former and more intelligent movies for the latter. Recommended reading for all, I say.
The Play’s The Thing - An Easy Guide To Liking Shakespeare Onscreen by Helen O'Hara
(from the Empire Blog)
Does more or less what it says on the tin, and does it well I think.
Articles: Lists
10 Greatest Movie Posters Ever Made by Sam Ashurst
and
10 Worst Movie Posters Ever Made by Andy Lowe
(from Total Film)
Some odd choices on both sides, but worth pondering. Personally, I love the "Some Thing Has Found Us" tagline -- that's a very cleverly placed space.
10 Incredibly Strange Movie Trailers by Andy Lowe
(from Total Film)
I do love a good trailer, and some of these are just that. And some are unmitigated drivel. Follow the advice on #2, the clips it points you toward are utterly hilarious.
If Movie Posters Were Honest
(from Holy Taco)
As with all of these Photoshop-based comedy poster/advert efforts, there's a mix of very funny and "oh how I wish I were funny" efforts here. The Indy 4 spoof is unoriginal and, to be honest, a tired and fairly untrue complaint, but the too truthful The Happening spoof singlehandedly makes up for all the bad ones.
If TV Shows Had Truthful Titles
(from Holy Taco)
Yup, it's the exact same thing, only with TV show titles. Intriguingly, this article came first -- I'd've thought the ease and familiarity of movie posters (as opposed to having to find posters/DVD covers/cast photos with some words on for TV shows) made them a more obvious choice. Anyway, it's again a mixed bag, but the Heroes one makes it all worth it.
and
10 Worst Movie Posters Ever Made by Andy Lowe
(from Total Film)
Some odd choices on both sides, but worth pondering. Personally, I love the "Some Thing Has Found Us" tagline -- that's a very cleverly placed space.
10 Incredibly Strange Movie Trailers by Andy Lowe
(from Total Film)
I do love a good trailer, and some of these are just that. And some are unmitigated drivel. Follow the advice on #2, the clips it points you toward are utterly hilarious.
If Movie Posters Were Honest
(from Holy Taco)
As with all of these Photoshop-based comedy poster/advert efforts, there's a mix of very funny and "oh how I wish I were funny" efforts here. The Indy 4 spoof is unoriginal and, to be honest, a tired and fairly untrue complaint, but the too truthful The Happening spoof singlehandedly makes up for all the bad ones.
If TV Shows Had Truthful Titles
(from Holy Taco)
Yup, it's the exact same thing, only with TV show titles. Intriguingly, this article came first -- I'd've thought the ease and familiarity of movie posters (as opposed to having to find posters/DVD covers/cast photos with some words on for TV shows) made them a more obvious choice. Anyway, it's again a mixed bag, but the Heroes one makes it all worth it.
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