The Choir: Boys Don't Sing
Part 5 Revisited
A "one year later" follow-up (come series recap, it must be said) of the second of Gareth Malone's projects.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
17x04 (25/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Harper's Island
1x07 Thrack, Splat, Sizzle
1x08 Gurgle
Much like its elaborate title, Thrack... is all filler no killer, despite being flashback-filled to the day of the original Wakefield murders. Not only are these largely unnecessary, if inevitable, but the late-20s cast struggle to look convincing as their teenage selves. Great cliffhanger though, which helps kick off a new phase of the series in Gurgle. Plot developments may still be rare, but at least there's excitement in the meantime. One positive of so little being revealed each episode is that, despite the show's numerous flaws, it always leaves you desperate to see what happens next.
[Watch Thrack, Splat, Sizzle and Gurgle (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x08 (28/9/08 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Monday, 28 September 2009
TV
FlashForward
1x01 No More Good Days
The latest big thing from the US -- aka "The New Lost" -- commences on Five just four days after it premiered in the US.
It's a solid start -- better than Lost's for my money -- with lots of mysteries set in motion, already the hints at where answers may come from, and some stunning visuals alongside it. The dialogue may lack the sparkle of the best programmes and the characterisation isn't exemplary either, but then neither Lost nor similar former-big-hit Heroes ever managed those things either. Besides which, this is a 45-minute pilot, tasked with setting in motion an incredibly complex set of events that's got to feed at least the rest of this season and, if the creators have their way, another six after that.
Signs are good though, so fingers crossed this can deliver, in the way Lost apparently has for its fans, rather than sink into mediocrity, a la Heroes.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
How I Met Your Mother
1x15 Game Night
Last Chance to See
Part 2 Northern White Rhino
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x01 No More Good Days
The latest big thing from the US -- aka "The New Lost" -- commences on Five just four days after it premiered in the US.
It's a solid start -- better than Lost's for my money -- with lots of mysteries set in motion, already the hints at where answers may come from, and some stunning visuals alongside it. The dialogue may lack the sparkle of the best programmes and the characterisation isn't exemplary either, but then neither Lost nor similar former-big-hit Heroes ever managed those things either. Besides which, this is a 45-minute pilot, tasked with setting in motion an incredibly complex set of events that's got to feed at least the rest of this season and, if the creators have their way, another six after that.
Signs are good though, so fingers crossed this can deliver, in the way Lost apparently has for its fans, rather than sink into mediocrity, a la Heroes.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
How I Met Your Mother
1x15 Game Night
Last Chance to See
Part 2 Northern White Rhino
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
new reviews at 100 Films
A themed pair of reviews at 100 Films this evening, looking at two documentaries about the Moon missions.
In the Shadow of the Moon (2007)
For All Mankind (1989)
There are currently 15 further films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
In the Shadow of the Moon (2007)
It may not offer the plain facts and figures of how we went to the Moon and who did it when, but it does present the reflections of the men who risked their lives to further the knowledge and reach of our species.Read the full review at 100 Films.
For All Mankind (1989)
the glorious footage and skilled editing of Mankind — and the added wonder of seeing it in HD, it must be said — leaves one with a sense of awe that isn’t as present in the more informative Shadow. Its beauty provides the superior experience.Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 further films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
TV
Last Chance to See
Part 1 Amazonian Manatee
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Secret Millionaire
4x05 Martin Stamp
Some programmes just defy any reasonable attempt you make to give them episode numbers.
Part 1 Amazonian Manatee
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Secret Millionaire
4x05 Martin Stamp
Some programmes just defy any reasonable attempt you make to give them episode numbers.
Films
Copycat (1995)
[#53 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
High Society (1956)
[#54 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
[#53 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
High Society (1956)
[#54 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Saturday, 26 September 2009
TV
Derren Brown: The Events - Live
1x03 How to Be a Psychic Spy
Derren once again perpetrates a great hoax on the nation -- note the sheer volume of concentric circles on display, not least right behind the 'hidden' picture! Also, the way curator-girly-on-the-TV was lit also made her eyes into very obvious concentric circles, for just one other blatant example we were invited to stare at.
Do I mind that it's just a trick? Not in the slightest -- that's what he does. But some people are now going to toddle off believing it worked, and they really shouldn't.
(Additionally, 4oD seem to be a bit slow at getting stuff online, so last week's episode is now available.)
Merlin
2x02 The Once and Future Queen
Much better than last week's too-generic opener.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
7x12 (24/9/09 edition) [season finale]
I say "season finale" -- episode 13 will air around Christmas.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x03 How to Be a Psychic Spy
Derren once again perpetrates a great hoax on the nation -- note the sheer volume of concentric circles on display, not least right behind the 'hidden' picture! Also, the way curator-girly-on-the-TV was lit also made her eyes into very obvious concentric circles, for just one other blatant example we were invited to stare at.
Do I mind that it's just a trick? Not in the slightest -- that's what he does. But some people are now going to toddle off believing it worked, and they really shouldn't.
(Additionally, 4oD seem to be a bit slow at getting stuff online, so last week's episode is now available.)
Merlin
2x02 The Once and Future Queen
Much better than last week's too-generic opener.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
7x12 (24/9/09 edition) [season finale]
I say "season finale" -- episode 13 will air around Christmas.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Red Riding reviews at 100 Films
Last night I posted reviews for all three films in the Red Riding Trilogy over at 100 Films. You can read my thoughts on the trilogy as a whole here (including links to the individual film reviews), or just read film-by-film from the links below.
Red Riding: 1974 (2009)
Red Riding: 1980 (2009)
Red Riding: 1983 (2009)
There are currently 15 further films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Red Riding: 1974 (2009)
a stock noir tale, dressed up with fancy filmmaking techniques and claims of realism to look like something more truthful, more real, more Important. And it makes me a little bit angry because of it.Read the full review at 100 Films.
Red Riding: 1980 (2009)
it’s all too straightforward: the people you suspect did it actually did, as it turns out, and there’s no serious attempt to conceal that.Read the full review at 100 Films.
Red Riding: 1983 (2009)
builds on previously-seen events and characters... bests its predecessors in almost every assessable value. The story and characters have more genuine surprises and suspense than everRead the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 further films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 25 September 2009
TV
The Tudors
3x08 The Undoing of Cromwell [season finale]
Best beheading ever!
Shame there's only one more season to go.
[Watch Episode 8 (or, as the BBC insists, '6') (again) on iPlayer.]
3x08 The Undoing of Cromwell [season finale]
Best beheading ever!
Shame there's only one more season to go.
[Watch Episode 8 (or, as the BBC insists, '6') (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
FlashForward execs 'have ending planned' by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
Thank goodness for that! I was worried it'd be another show where they make it up as it goes along and we never get any decent answers. I'm now even more keen to see it. (Read the article for a few more details on what these plans actually are, in a totally spoiler-free way.)
Whedon "bitter as hell" over Dollhouse by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
Not because it's been cancelled or anything, just his thoughts on why they didn't air the final episode of season one in the US.
(from Digital Spy)
Thank goodness for that! I was worried it'd be another show where they make it up as it goes along and we never get any decent answers. I'm now even more keen to see it. (Read the article for a few more details on what these plans actually are, in a totally spoiler-free way.)
Whedon "bitter as hell" over Dollhouse by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
Not because it's been cancelled or anything, just his thoughts on why they didn't air the final episode of season one in the US.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
TV
How I Met Your Mother
1x14 Zip, Zip, Zip
Single-Handed
1x03 The Drowning Man [season finale]
Not Single-Handed's best episode -- the ending/whole second half felt like a letdown after the suspicions and tension built in the first, although the forest scene was stunning (as is all the cinematography in this series) -- but still strong. Fingers crossed for more.
(As noted previously, the series was original screened in Ireland as three two-parters in January 2007, January 2008 and April 2009, but ITV showed them as one series of three films.)
1x14 Zip, Zip, Zip
Single-Handed
1x03 The Drowning Man [season finale]
Not Single-Handed's best episode -- the ending/whole second half felt like a letdown after the suspicions and tension built in the first, although the forest scene was stunning (as is all the cinematography in this series) -- but still strong. Fingers crossed for more.
(As noted previously, the series was original screened in Ireland as three two-parters in January 2007, January 2008 and April 2009, but ITV showed them as one series of three films.)
Dr Horrible invades the Emmys
As brilliant as it sounds (and then some):
Though, what's up with Fillion's accent?
Though, what's up with Fillion's accent?
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
TV
Harper's Island
1x05 Twack
1x06 Sploosh
Finally other characters notice that there are murders taking place! It's a good thing BBC Three have chosen to show Harper's Island in double bills, actually, because I think it might feel a tad slow in individual installments.
[Watch Twack and Sploosh (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
1x12 The Wedding
1x13 Drumroll, Please
Ooh, a two-parter, which I accidentally watched back-to-back. Sometimes fortune smiles upon us. Or, me.
1x05 Twack
1x06 Sploosh
Finally other characters notice that there are murders taking place! It's a good thing BBC Three have chosen to show Harper's Island in double bills, actually, because I think it might feel a tad slow in individual installments.
[Watch Twack and Sploosh (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
1x12 The Wedding
1x13 Drumroll, Please
Ooh, a two-parter, which I accidentally watched back-to-back. Sometimes fortune smiles upon us. Or, me.
Articles
Best Watchmen Promo Item Ever
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
This sounds utterly incredibly and I am insanely jealous of the 1,000 people who have one.
Gilliam’s Watchmen Gripes
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
Top director Terry Gilliam, who twice failed to bring Watchmen to the big screen, here criticises the eventual film. Naturally the author of the post lays into Gilliam -- this is a fansite, after all -- failing to acknowledge that Gilliam is ten times the director Snyder will ever be.
Zack Snyder Talks Director’s Cut
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
With the 'Ultimate Cut' recently announced, it's nice to remember that it's just "an experiment" and the already-available (in the US anyway) Director's Cut is Snyder's final vision of the film proper.
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
This sounds utterly incredibly and I am insanely jealous of the 1,000 people who have one.
Gilliam’s Watchmen Gripes
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
Top director Terry Gilliam, who twice failed to bring Watchmen to the big screen, here criticises the eventual film. Naturally the author of the post lays into Gilliam -- this is a fansite, after all -- failing to acknowledge that Gilliam is ten times the director Snyder will ever be.
Zack Snyder Talks Director’s Cut
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
With the 'Ultimate Cut' recently announced, it's nice to remember that it's just "an experiment" and the already-available (in the US anyway) Director's Cut is Snyder's final vision of the film proper.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Films
Red Riding: 1983 (2009)
[#52 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The final part of the trilogy is the best by some margin, in my estimation.
[#52 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The final part of the trilogy is the best by some margin, in my estimation.
Magazines
Doctor Who Magazine #413
Featuring The Mighty 200, DWM's reader-voted countdown of the best Doctor Who stories ever (and, indeed, the worst) -- the first time they've done this since 1998, in which time we've had 50-something new stories with Chris Eccleston and David Tennant. Some of the final placings are quite surprising -- I wonder if shops will now have to remove the "No.1 Story Ever" stickers from Genesis of the Daleks DVDs?
Best of all, however, is this observation in closing: "note the awesome symmetry of the stories at either end of the poll being not just from the same season, but actually consecutive. That's Doctor Who all over -- madly diverse, occasionally polarizing, but always surprising."
Featuring The Mighty 200, DWM's reader-voted countdown of the best Doctor Who stories ever (and, indeed, the worst) -- the first time they've done this since 1998, in which time we've had 50-something new stories with Chris Eccleston and David Tennant. Some of the final placings are quite surprising -- I wonder if shops will now have to remove the "No.1 Story Ever" stickers from Genesis of the Daleks DVDs?
Best of all, however, is this observation in closing: "note the awesome symmetry of the stories at either end of the poll being not just from the same season, but actually consecutive. That's Doctor Who all over -- madly diverse, occasionally polarizing, but always surprising."
Monday, 21 September 2009
TV
The Secret Millionaire
4x08 Martin Stamp [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x07 (21/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
4x08 Martin Stamp [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x07 (21/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Sunday, 20 September 2009
TV
How I Met Your Mother
1x09 Belly Full of Turkey
1x11 The Limo
As expected, I was right that I'd missed an episode and it was entirely my fault. Ho hum. A run of three very good episodes though -- and, indeed, so were the ones before them. Given a couple of weeks to settle in, How I Met Your Mother has definitely found its feet.
Walk on the Wild Side
1x05 Episode 5
I had been intending to watch this whole series after it was quite well-reviewed by the Radio Times. But then I didn't. The promise of Wildlife on Mars in this edition spurred me on however. Shame it was rubbish. Much of the rest of the programme was quite good though, ironically. Maybe I'll watch it again in future... except the last one was this week.
1x09 Belly Full of Turkey
1x11 The Limo
As expected, I was right that I'd missed an episode and it was entirely my fault. Ho hum. A run of three very good episodes though -- and, indeed, so were the ones before them. Given a couple of weeks to settle in, How I Met Your Mother has definitely found its feet.
Walk on the Wild Side
1x05 Episode 5
I had been intending to watch this whole series after it was quite well-reviewed by the Radio Times. But then I didn't. The promise of Wildlife on Mars in this edition spurred me on however. Shame it was rubbish. Much of the rest of the programme was quite good though, ironically. Maybe I'll watch it again in future... except the last one was this week.
Films
Red Riding: 1974 (2009)
[#50 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Are they films or are they a miniseries? I shall expound further on this when I post my review (though I think it's obvious which option I'll choose).
Red Riding: 1980 (2009)
[#51 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
[#50 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Are they films or are they a miniseries? I shall expound further on this when I post my review (though I think it's obvious which option I'll choose).
Red Riding: 1980 (2009)
[#51 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Saturday, 19 September 2009
TV
Later... with Jools Holland
35x01 (18/9/09 edition)
See here for my comments on Tuesday's live version of this edition.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Merlin
2x01 The Curse of Cornelius Sigan
Saturday night's second best family drama returns for a new run, with a rather by-the-numbers episode unfortunately. Nothing wrong with it, but it was more mid-season filler than big comeback, sadly. The rest-of-series trailer at the end looked quite good though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
7x11 (17/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Tudors
3x07 Protestant Anne of Cleves
Cromwell's downfall looms -- hooray! But Joss Stone seems miscast as the appallingly ugly Anne of Cleeves; not because she can't act, but because she's hardly ugly.
[Watch Episode 7 (or, as the BBC insists, '5') (again) on iPlayer.]
35x01 (18/9/09 edition)
See here for my comments on Tuesday's live version of this edition.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Merlin
2x01 The Curse of Cornelius Sigan
Saturday night's second best family drama returns for a new run, with a rather by-the-numbers episode unfortunately. Nothing wrong with it, but it was more mid-season filler than big comeback, sadly. The rest-of-series trailer at the end looked quite good though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
7x11 (17/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Tudors
3x07 Protestant Anne of Cleves
Cromwell's downfall looms -- hooray! But Joss Stone seems miscast as the appallingly ugly Anne of Cleeves; not because she can't act, but because she's hardly ugly.
[Watch Episode 7 (or, as the BBC insists, '5') (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Video screens hit paper magazines
(from BBC News)
On the one hand, "ooh cool". On the other, it's far from perfect -- read the full article to see all the various flaws with this particular form of video-in-print.
(from BBC News)
On the one hand, "ooh cool". On the other, it's far from perfect -- read the full article to see all the various flaws with this particular form of video-in-print.
new review at 100 Films
The Right Stuff (1983)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Kaufman leaves the technical aspect of proceedings alone. The various test flights and rocket launches we do see are undoubtedly important set pieces, but they’re not a thorough catalogue of events. Attention is only lavished on the scientific and engineering challenges when it has some direct impact on the characters, and just as often Kaufman is concerned with the family — specifically, the wife — behind the astronaut.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 18 September 2009
TV
Derren Brown: The Events - Live
1x02 How to Control the Nation
A Toy's Story was classic Derren, the kind of stunt I always enjoy (and by "classic" mean "have seen him do before", of course), while The Giveaway certainly provided its share of amusement -- especially the "particularly suggestible" guy who donated his shoes. And Subject 5 -- whose arms mysteriously floated upwards, to Derren's apparent bemusement -- was most amusing
As for the event itself... well, I didn't get stuck, sadly. Did you?
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
How I Met Your Mother
1x10 The Pineapple Incident
Either I've missed an episode or E4 have skipped an episode. Either way, "oops".
1x02 How to Control the Nation
A Toy's Story was classic Derren, the kind of stunt I always enjoy (and by "classic" mean "have seen him do before", of course), while The Giveaway certainly provided its share of amusement -- especially the "particularly suggestible" guy who donated his shoes. And Subject 5 -- whose arms mysteriously floated upwards, to Derren's apparent bemusement -- was most amusing
As for the event itself... well, I didn't get stuck, sadly. Did you?
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
How I Met Your Mother
1x10 The Pineapple Incident
Either I've missed an episode or E4 have skipped an episode. Either way, "oops".
Thursday, 17 September 2009
TV
Desperate Romantics
Part 6 (of 6)
An unusually serious episode to end the series. The final scene's return to comedy, however, may've been misjudged.
How I Met Your Mother
1x07 Matchmaker
1x08 The Duel
Later Live... with Jools Holland
35x01 (15/9/09 edition)
Watched this primarily for Muse (who were great, of course, especially doing United States of Eurasia), but unsurprisingly discovered all sorts of other greatness in the process. Hurrah!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Tudors
3x05 Problems in the Reformation
3x06 Search for a New Queen
[Watch Episode 6 (or, as the BBC insists, '4') (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 6 (of 6)
An unusually serious episode to end the series. The final scene's return to comedy, however, may've been misjudged.
How I Met Your Mother
1x07 Matchmaker
1x08 The Duel
Later Live... with Jools Holland
35x01 (15/9/09 edition)
Watched this primarily for Muse (who were great, of course, especially doing United States of Eurasia), but unsurprisingly discovered all sorts of other greatness in the process. Hurrah!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Tudors
3x05 Problems in the Reformation
3x06 Search for a New Queen
[Watch Episode 6 (or, as the BBC insists, '4') (again) on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
TV
Harper's Island
1x03 Ka-Blam
1x04 Bang
...except my recording decided to cut out before the end of Bang, so I'll have to wait 'til Friday's repeat to find out who saved Trish from drowning.
Oh, wait -- I can follow my very own Handy Link and watch it now. (Excluding credits, I missed literally 30 seconds. Wow.)
[Watch Ka-Blam and Bang (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x06 (14/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x03 Ka-Blam
1x04 Bang
...except my recording decided to cut out before the end of Bang, so I'll have to wait 'til Friday's repeat to find out who saved Trish from drowning.
Oh, wait -- I can follow my very own Handy Link and watch it now. (Excluding credits, I missed literally 30 seconds. Wow.)
[Watch Ka-Blam and Bang (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x06 (14/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
TV
The Choir: Unsung Town
Part 3 (of 4)
So whoever announced this as a three-parter was wrong.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Desperate Romantics
Part 5 (of 6)
Four weeks to the day since I watch the preceding installment of this. That's the problem I have when a series ends -- less incentive to keep up. Still utterly barmy, but fun with it.
How I Met Your Mother
1x06 Slutty Pumpkin
Mock the Week
7x10 (10/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 3 (of 4)
So whoever announced this as a three-parter was wrong.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Desperate Romantics
Part 5 (of 6)
Four weeks to the day since I watch the preceding installment of this. That's the problem I have when a series ends -- less incentive to keep up. Still utterly barmy, but fun with it.
How I Met Your Mother
1x06 Slutty Pumpkin
Mock the Week
7x10 (10/9/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
new review at 100 Films
Sherlock (2002)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Holmes is recast as a kind of Victorian James Bond, both in terms of his character and the plot structure. It begins with the end of the previous mission, before progressing through various familiar beats, like the villain helpfully explaining his plan and a climactic big shoot-out... except on a much, much, much smaller scale. To add to the effect, Dr Watson is revealed to be “a bit of an inventor” — a Q in the making? Even Holmes himself is not immune: young, dashing, and womanising. Yes, womanising.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Monday, 14 September 2009
TV
Doctor Who: Greatest Moments
Part 3 The Enemies [final episode]
How I Met Your Mother
1x05 Okay Awesome
I never did find out if the late-night repeats were uncut, but this is where I switch to watching them, just in case. Good timing though, because this episode was easily the best one yet: cleverly written, with Character Development and A Message to boot, and, most importantly, very funny.
Part 3 The Enemies [final episode]
How I Met Your Mother
1x05 Okay Awesome
I never did find out if the late-night repeats were uncut, but this is where I switch to watching them, just in case. Good timing though, because this episode was easily the best one yet: cleverly written, with Character Development and A Message to boot, and, most importantly, very funny.
Articles
Great Movies: The First 100 by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
For those who don't know, Ebert does a weekly series of reviews where he highlights the Greatest Movies Ever Made (in his opinion, obviously). Here's a piece he published on reaching the 100th entry in this series, which is actually a beautiful argument for why we should all broaden our filmic horizons. Such things can often be preachy or held back by the author clearly hating the mainstream too much, but not so Ebert, who is well-reasoned and acknowledges that "some of the big hits are good, and a few of them are great". He's simply evangelical about film and a great writer. An inspiring read.
Pirates 4 Sails Stranger Tides by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
I knew the title On Stranger Tides rang a bell -- I'd heard of it being one of the inspirations for The Secret of Monkey Island before. This news makes me a great deal more excited about the film, I must say.
(from rogerebert.com)
For those who don't know, Ebert does a weekly series of reviews where he highlights the Greatest Movies Ever Made (in his opinion, obviously). Here's a piece he published on reaching the 100th entry in this series, which is actually a beautiful argument for why we should all broaden our filmic horizons. Such things can often be preachy or held back by the author clearly hating the mainstream too much, but not so Ebert, who is well-reasoned and acknowledges that "some of the big hits are good, and a few of them are great". He's simply evangelical about film and a great writer. An inspiring read.
Pirates 4 Sails Stranger Tides by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
I knew the title On Stranger Tides rang a bell -- I'd heard of it being one of the inspirations for The Secret of Monkey Island before. This news makes me a great deal more excited about the film, I must say.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
TV
Marple
4x02 Murder is Easy
Helluva cast, as always. Not originally a Marple story this, but she was so well integrated you'd never guess. When Marple began, however many years ago now, I wasn't certain it was up to snuff, but it's rather good these days. This was a particularly good one.
Wildly Popular Iron Man Trailer To Be Adapted Into Full-Length Film
Spoof news item from the Onion that can't have failed to escape your attention at some point in the past 18 months or so. I actually watched it in full for the first time today, believe it or not in research for an essay.
4x02 Murder is Easy
Helluva cast, as always. Not originally a Marple story this, but she was so well integrated you'd never guess. When Marple began, however many years ago now, I wasn't certain it was up to snuff, but it's rather good these days. This was a particularly good one.
Wildly Popular Iron Man Trailer To Be Adapted Into Full-Length Film
Spoof news item from the Onion that can't have failed to escape your attention at some point in the past 18 months or so. I actually watched it in full for the first time today, believe it or not in research for an essay.
Music
The Resistance by Muse
[up to 7th listen]
I don't normally play an album (old or new) this much in such a short period of time, but The Resistance is certainly growing on me. It helps that it starts so well -- by the time I've listened to all the great opening tracks, it's not too hard to just keep going. And, like I say, those ones are growing too. Hurrah!
[up to 7th listen]
I don't normally play an album (old or new) this much in such a short period of time, but The Resistance is certainly growing on me. It helps that it starts so well -- by the time I've listened to all the great opening tracks, it's not too hard to just keep going. And, like I say, those ones are growing too. Hurrah!
Articles
De Burgh hits back at gig critic
(from BBC News)
Initially this makes Chris de Burgh sound like an idiot (as usual), but if you read on he becomes quite witty and capable of defending himself. I certainly like him more now.
(from BBC News)
Initially this makes Chris de Burgh sound like an idiot (as usual), but if you read on he becomes quite witty and capable of defending himself. I certainly like him more now.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
TV
How I Met Your Mother
1x03 Sweet Taste of Liberty
1x04 Return of the Shirt
Proms 2009
Prom 76 Last Night of the Proms
Don't normally watch the last night of the Proms, but there's a wonderfulness about its pomp & circumstance. I only caught the last half hour and might not have mentioned it, but this year's conductor, David Robertson, an American, made a brilliant speech -- as well as conducting beautifully, of course.
The full programme for this Prom can be read online, for free, here.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Secret Millionaire
4x03 Jennifer Cheyne [season finale]
1x03 Sweet Taste of Liberty
1x04 Return of the Shirt
Proms 2009
Prom 76 Last Night of the Proms
Don't normally watch the last night of the Proms, but there's a wonderfulness about its pomp & circumstance. I only caught the last half hour and might not have mentioned it, but this year's conductor, David Robertson, an American, made a brilliant speech -- as well as conducting beautifully, of course.
The full programme for this Prom can be read online, for free, here.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Secret Millionaire
4x03 Jennifer Cheyne [season finale]
Music
The Resistance by Muse
Muse's new album, out Monday over here, but thanks to hmv.com's speediness I have it today (hurrah!)
I've avoided listening to any of this 'til I got the album, so despite early track releases, a single last week and televised live gigs featuring some of the tracks, I'd not heard any of it until now. Some of the hype was warranted: album opener and first single Uprising is a stompingly great number, perhaps the disc's best track, though it would have to be run a close second by the Queen-alike United States of Eurasia. Unnatural Selection and Undisclosed Desires also felt strong to me, especially after a couple of listens, as did a lot of the rest that felt likable but oddly lacklustre initially.
However, most hyped of all were the closing tracks, a three-part symphony entitled Exogenesis. So praised are these that some reviews have resorted to giving the album two scores -- one for the whole work, and a higher one just for Exogenesis. Maybe it's a grower, because I found it interesting but middling. A shame, because I often like the pomp of such grand exercises.
Still, I've already listened to the whole CD a couple of times through -- more than I do for most albums so quickly -- and I'm sure I will more, but it's not yet a Black Holes & Revelations-beater as far as I'm concerned.
Muse's new album, out Monday over here, but thanks to hmv.com's speediness I have it today (hurrah!)
I've avoided listening to any of this 'til I got the album, so despite early track releases, a single last week and televised live gigs featuring some of the tracks, I'd not heard any of it until now. Some of the hype was warranted: album opener and first single Uprising is a stompingly great number, perhaps the disc's best track, though it would have to be run a close second by the Queen-alike United States of Eurasia. Unnatural Selection and Undisclosed Desires also felt strong to me, especially after a couple of listens, as did a lot of the rest that felt likable but oddly lacklustre initially.
However, most hyped of all were the closing tracks, a three-part symphony entitled Exogenesis. So praised are these that some reviews have resorted to giving the album two scores -- one for the whole work, and a higher one just for Exogenesis. Maybe it's a grower, because I found it interesting but middling. A shame, because I often like the pomp of such grand exercises.
Still, I've already listened to the whole CD a couple of times through -- more than I do for most albums so quickly -- and I'm sure I will more, but it's not yet a Black Holes & Revelations-beater as far as I'm concerned.
Articles
Disney announces new Pirates film by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
No surprises, but nice to be confirmed. The title -- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides -- is disappointingly weak though. Thus far only the first one has had a decent subtitle -- ironic, considering they only added one late in the game so that sequels wouldn't just be numbered. Look for On Stranger Tides (the fourth film, in case you'd forgotten the two weaker sequels) in cinemas during Summer 2011.
I Will Not Read Your F***ing Script by Josh Olson
(from Runnin' Scared at The Village Voice)
This has caused quite a stir in certain circles -- not least for the rudeness inherent in the way it's presented (and the original article doesn't censor the swearing in the way I have so helpfully for this ever-family-friendly blog, so be warned) -- but if you stop to read it, Olson (writer of A History of Violence: The Movie) presents his argument very well and, actually, is generally quite right.
(from Digital Spy)
No surprises, but nice to be confirmed. The title -- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides -- is disappointingly weak though. Thus far only the first one has had a decent subtitle -- ironic, considering they only added one late in the game so that sequels wouldn't just be numbered. Look for On Stranger Tides (the fourth film, in case you'd forgotten the two weaker sequels) in cinemas during Summer 2011.
I Will Not Read Your F***ing Script by Josh Olson
(from Runnin' Scared at The Village Voice)
This has caused quite a stir in certain circles -- not least for the rudeness inherent in the way it's presented (and the original article doesn't censor the swearing in the way I have so helpfully for this ever-family-friendly blog, so be warned) -- but if you stop to read it, Olson (writer of A History of Violence: The Movie) presents his argument very well and, actually, is generally quite right.
Friday, 11 September 2009
TV
Culloden (1964)
[#48 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Derren Brown: The Events - Live
1x01 How to Win the Lottery
So, which method do you believe? It seems unlikely that if he really had fixed it he'd explain it on TV. Not only is it a fairly incredible method, but he's just helped the inevitable legal investigation by explaining it in full. But equally, the other method is unlikely to produce such accurate results. Split screen then? It may be so...
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x05 (7/9/08 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
[#48 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Derren Brown: The Events - Live
1x01 How to Win the Lottery
So, which method do you believe? It seems unlikely that if he really had fixed it he'd explain it on TV. Not only is it a fairly incredible method, but he's just helped the inevitable legal investigation by explaining it in full. But equally, the other method is unlikely to produce such accurate results. Split screen then? It may be so...
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x05 (7/9/08 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Broadway goes macho as Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman open their gritty two-man cop play
(from Mail Online)
A Steady Rain, in which a Brit and an Aussie play an Irish-American and an Italian-American. Ah, acting.
(from Mail Online)
A Steady Rain, in which a Brit and an Aussie play an Irish-American and an Italian-American. Ah, acting.
new review at 100 Films
The Knack …and How to Get It (1965)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
From the DVD art, the bright and breezy title, and that it stars Frank Spencer, you’d be forgiven for thinking The Knack was a colourful Swinging Sixties sex-com romp. Upon watching it, however, it’s immediately clear it’s nothing of the sort: it begins with a dream/nightmare sequence, complete with horror-esque music, before settling into a style and rhythm more reminiscent of Breathless than Confessions of a Window Cleaner.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
TV
How I Met Your Mother
1x02 Purple Giraffe
Essentially The Pilot: Part 2, so still a bit faltering. Hopefully the next episode is where it finds its feet a bit more.
Mock the Week
7x09 (3/9/09 edition)
A whole week behind with the mocking. Oops.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x02 Purple Giraffe
Essentially The Pilot: Part 2, so still a bit faltering. Hopefully the next episode is where it finds its feet a bit more.
Mock the Week
7x09 (3/9/09 edition)
A whole week behind with the mocking. Oops.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Music
West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum by Kasabian
[3rd listen]
Didn't win the Mercury Prize, but this is still the first Kasabian album (of their three) that I've immediately liked.
[3rd listen]
Didn't win the Mercury Prize, but this is still the first Kasabian album (of their three) that I've immediately liked.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
TV
As Seen on TV
1x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Derren Brown: The Events - Live
1x00 How to Win the Lottery
So, as promised, Derren predicted all six of tonight's main Lottery numbers as they were announced. Was it camera trickery? Some impossibly clever (literally) averages? Or is he really magic? We'll find out on Friday...
Making Reel History (aka The Making of Culloden)
1996 documentary about Peter Watkins' Culloden, an innovative and influential TV drama. It offers good insight into Watkins' methods and their impact on the community, as well as briefly providing a forum for some of his views on TV and how it has failed as a medium. Despite being in his late 50s at the time, Watkins' thoughts have all the righteous idealism of a much younger man; unfortunately, they're also just as unrealistic and romanticised.
All round a nice little piece, it's a shame it's not included on the (out of print anyway) BFI DVD. Time for a new release methinks? Masters of Cinema -- already home to two of Watkins' films, Punishment Park and Edvard Munch -- would seem the natural place, though I'm sure there are all sorts of nasty copyright things standing in the way.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 7 (of 7)
Not that Anna was an undeserving winner, but I do feel sorry for Alan -- he had the worst life to return to. Hopefully he can use this opportunity to find a career as, at the very least, a wildlife cameraman.
1x08 Episode 8 [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Derren Brown: The Events - Live
1x00 How to Win the Lottery
So, as promised, Derren predicted all six of tonight's main Lottery numbers as they were announced. Was it camera trickery? Some impossibly clever (literally) averages? Or is he really magic? We'll find out on Friday...
Making Reel History (aka The Making of Culloden)
1996 documentary about Peter Watkins' Culloden, an innovative and influential TV drama. It offers good insight into Watkins' methods and their impact on the community, as well as briefly providing a forum for some of his views on TV and how it has failed as a medium. Despite being in his late 50s at the time, Watkins' thoughts have all the righteous idealism of a much younger man; unfortunately, they're also just as unrealistic and romanticised.
All round a nice little piece, it's a shame it's not included on the (out of print anyway) BFI DVD. Time for a new release methinks? Masters of Cinema -- already home to two of Watkins' films, Punishment Park and Edvard Munch -- would seem the natural place, though I'm sure there are all sorts of nasty copyright things standing in the way.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 7 (of 7)
Not that Anna was an undeserving winner, but I do feel sorry for Alan -- he had the worst life to return to. Hopefully he can use this opportunity to find a career as, at the very least, a wildlife cameraman.
Articles
Top 10 Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon by Stefanie Lee
(from TV.com)
Featuring 14 shows. And, based on the intro, they'd like to make it 18, or more -- actually, why isn't it just a "Top 20"?
(from TV.com)
Featuring 14 shows. And, based on the intro, they'd like to make it 18, or more -- actually, why isn't it just a "Top 20"?
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
TV
The Choir: Unsung Town
Part 2 (of 3)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Harper's Island
1x01 Whap
1x02 Crackle
Someone on twitter described this as "soap noir replete with the trappings of the slasher film genre". "Soap noir" is clearly a term they've just made up (when before has a soap ever been noir?), but it's not a bad description in fact. The writing's no better than a US daytime soap, for example, though it's then incongruously shot with all the flair of an above-average director. (I say incongruously -- I bet most viewers wouldn't notice, and if you gave US daytime soaps such good direction they'd suddenly consider those a higher form of drama too.) Additionally, the scenery on display is absolutely stunning, especially in HD. I hope the rest of the series can live up to the direction on display here.
Depending who you believe, Harper's Island is either an on-going series cancelled after just one half-length season, or a 13-part murder mystery that was always intended as a one-off. As they only seemed to start saying this once it was cancelled one would suspect the former, but the very format (because it is indeed a 13-part murder mystery) would seem to suggest just a single season.
One other thing -- be wary of that Wikipedia link up top, it contains bags of spoilers (including a complete character-by-character 'death chart'!)
[Watch Whap and Crackle (again) on iPlayer.]
Mercury Prize Live
I ended up seeing the start after The Choir and thought I may as well watch the whole thing. As you can tell, I'm not really fussed about the Mercury Prize -- indeed, I have no idea who the winner, Speech Debelle, is, and the same goes for the majority of the nominees.
Part 2 (of 3)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Harper's Island
1x01 Whap
1x02 Crackle
Someone on twitter described this as "soap noir replete with the trappings of the slasher film genre". "Soap noir" is clearly a term they've just made up (when before has a soap ever been noir?), but it's not a bad description in fact. The writing's no better than a US daytime soap, for example, though it's then incongruously shot with all the flair of an above-average director. (I say incongruously -- I bet most viewers wouldn't notice, and if you gave US daytime soaps such good direction they'd suddenly consider those a higher form of drama too.) Additionally, the scenery on display is absolutely stunning, especially in HD. I hope the rest of the series can live up to the direction on display here.
Depending who you believe, Harper's Island is either an on-going series cancelled after just one half-length season, or a 13-part murder mystery that was always intended as a one-off. As they only seemed to start saying this once it was cancelled one would suspect the former, but the very format (because it is indeed a 13-part murder mystery) would seem to suggest just a single season.
One other thing -- be wary of that Wikipedia link up top, it contains bags of spoilers (including a complete character-by-character 'death chart'!)
[Watch Whap and Crackle (again) on iPlayer.]
Mercury Prize Live
I ended up seeing the start after The Choir and thought I may as well watch the whole thing. As you can tell, I'm not really fussed about the Mercury Prize -- indeed, I have no idea who the winner, Speech Debelle, is, and the same goes for the majority of the nominees.
Music
Chinese Democracy by Guns N' Roses
[3rd listen]
Just got the CD of this dirt cheap -- yes I legally owned it as an Amazon MP3 download, but it doesn't feel real 'til there's a disc (as I espoused on here).
Only my third listen to the album all the way through, but individual tracks have received more playtime; most notably I.R.S., of which I'm very fond.
[3rd listen]
Just got the CD of this dirt cheap -- yes I legally owned it as an Amazon MP3 download, but it doesn't feel real 'til there's a disc (as I espoused on here).
Only my third listen to the album all the way through, but individual tracks have received more playtime; most notably I.R.S., of which I'm very fond.
Articles
Curtis to pen Doctor Who episode
(from BBC News)
"Screenwriter and film director Richard Curtis has agreed to write an episode of the new series of Doctor Who, his agent has confirmed."
Well there's a turn-up. I suppose in some respects it shouldn't be so surprising: in 1999, Who's new showrunner Steven Moffat wrote a Doctor Who spoof for Comic Relief, which is run by Richard Curtis, so clearly they have links.
Now it'll be interesting to see if the rest of/any others among Series Five/One's writers are Big Names too, or if it's a selection of the usual suspects.
Man Booker shortlist is announced
(from BBC News)
The article spectacularly fails to mention one of the nominees. "Oops."
(from BBC News)
"Screenwriter and film director Richard Curtis has agreed to write an episode of the new series of Doctor Who, his agent has confirmed."
Well there's a turn-up. I suppose in some respects it shouldn't be so surprising: in 1999, Who's new showrunner Steven Moffat wrote a Doctor Who spoof for Comic Relief, which is run by Richard Curtis, so clearly they have links.
Now it'll be interesting to see if the rest of/any others among Series Five/One's writers are Big Names too, or if it's a selection of the usual suspects.
Man Booker shortlist is announced
(from BBC News)
The article spectacularly fails to mention one of the nominees. "Oops."
Monday, 7 September 2009
TV
How I Met Your Mother
1x01 Pilot
I'd paid no heed whatsoever to this in the past, but with E4 just commencing on a from-the-beginning every-night-of-the-week run and the Radio Times praising it as a good Friends-a-like (and I've always liked Friends) it seemed worth a shot.
As first episode's go it's a pretty good one -- they're always awkward beasts, but it managed a good number of laughs among all the setting up. I certainly liked the 2030-set framing device, an unusually bold conceit for a sitcom. Signs are good then.
It might be worth noting that E4 are reportedly cutting the show to fit their pre-watershed timeslot, however. There's a late-night repeat but I've no idea if that's uncut.
Wildest Dreams
Part 6 (of 7)
Well well well, I always thought she'd win it.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x01 Pilot
I'd paid no heed whatsoever to this in the past, but with E4 just commencing on a from-the-beginning every-night-of-the-week run and the Radio Times praising it as a good Friends-a-like (and I've always liked Friends) it seemed worth a shot.
As first episode's go it's a pretty good one -- they're always awkward beasts, but it managed a good number of laughs among all the setting up. I certainly liked the 2030-set framing device, an unusually bold conceit for a sitcom. Signs are good then.
It might be worth noting that E4 are reportedly cutting the show to fit their pre-watershed timeslot, however. There's a late-night repeat but I've no idea if that's uncut.
Wildest Dreams
Part 6 (of 7)
Well well well, I always thought she'd win it.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Sunday, 6 September 2009
TV
25 Years of Spinal Tap: Turn It Up To 11
Celebrity fans and people from the music industry discuss what makes This is Spinal Tap so enduringly fantastic. It's certainly more than enough to make you want to watch it again.
Marple
4x01 A Pocket Full of Rye
The new run of mysteries begins, now featuring new Marple Julia McKenzie. I've commented on ITV's odd scheduling of Marple before (so long ago that I can't find the post, what with Blogger's woefully malfunctioning search system) and this is no exception -- it was actually filmed a year or two ago but is only now being shown for the first time.
It's a good'un, with a typically star-packed Marple cast, even if it was missing one of the best bits of Christie adaptations -- the climax where everyone sits round together and the detective explains everything. Who doesn't love those scenes?
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Celebrity fans and people from the music industry discuss what makes This is Spinal Tap so enduringly fantastic. It's certainly more than enough to make you want to watch it again.
Marple
4x01 A Pocket Full of Rye
The new run of mysteries begins, now featuring new Marple Julia McKenzie. I've commented on ITV's odd scheduling of Marple before (so long ago that I can't find the post, what with Blogger's woefully malfunctioning search system) and this is no exception -- it was actually filmed a year or two ago but is only now being shown for the first time.
It's a good'un, with a typically star-packed Marple cast, even if it was missing one of the best bits of Christie adaptations -- the climax where everyone sits round together and the detective explains everything. Who doesn't love those scenes?
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
new review at 100 Films
Dark Floors (2008)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
I can’t help but wonder if in trying to be quite clever Dark Floors ultimately alienates the core horror audience who might pick it up; the people who’ll miss their straightforward scares and gratuitous gore and nudity. By so obviously billing it as “The Lordi Movie” and slapping on quite a lurid cover, the marketers have done nothing to suggest the film might actually benefit from the application of some brain power.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Articles
One giant slip in Bangladesh news
(from BBC News)
"Two Bangladeshi newspapers have apologised after publishing an article taken from a satirical US website which claimed the Moon landings were faked. The Daily Manab Zamin said US astronaut Neil Armstrong had shocked a news conference by saying he now knew it had been an "elaborate hoax". Neither they nor the New Nation, which later picked up the story, realised the Onion was not a genuine news site."
Gotta love The Onion, but love this even more.
(from BBC News)
"Two Bangladeshi newspapers have apologised after publishing an article taken from a satirical US website which claimed the Moon landings were faked. The Daily Manab Zamin said US astronaut Neil Armstrong had shocked a news conference by saying he now knew it had been an "elaborate hoax". Neither they nor the New Nation, which later picked up the story, realised the Onion was not a genuine news site."
Gotta love The Onion, but love this even more.
Friday, 4 September 2009
new review at 100 Films
Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic (TV edit) (2005)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Most of her material seems to be an excuse to say extremely rude or controversial things, and in fact often relies on these things being so rude as to provoke laughter just for that... but there’s nothing inherently funny about a rude sentence — it needs a point, be it satire or surrealism or something else. I have no problem with edgy or ‘offensive’ comedy, but this isn’t it.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
TV
From the Earth to the Moon
Part Seven That's All There Is
Part Eight We Interrupt This Program
Two different episodes after the rather standard Apollo 11 one. The first is an almost comedic covering of Apollo 12 from the perspective of first-time astronaut Al Bean, while the second takes on Apollo 13 from the perspective of the press. It's as much about the dying days of proper journalism and the birth of tabloid trash as it is that particular mission (a decision made by the production team because of Apollo 13 already having covered that story).
A Night at The Office
For no discernible reason, last weekend BBC Two elected to repeat the whole of The Office season one, mixed in with a selection of interview clips from the creators and fans. Having seen the series a couple of times already, I recorded the whole lot and just fastforwarded to the interviews. It's a shame they didn't just show these as a new 30-minute piece really, because they were quite in-depth and I suspect more people would've watched it as a single piece.
[Watch The Office season one again on iPlayer, complete with all the little interview bits. The BBC Comedy microsite also has additional interview clips.]
Part Seven That's All There Is
Part Eight We Interrupt This Program
Two different episodes after the rather standard Apollo 11 one. The first is an almost comedic covering of Apollo 12 from the perspective of first-time astronaut Al Bean, while the second takes on Apollo 13 from the perspective of the press. It's as much about the dying days of proper journalism and the birth of tabloid trash as it is that particular mission (a decision made by the production team because of Apollo 13 already having covered that story).
A Night at The Office
For no discernible reason, last weekend BBC Two elected to repeat the whole of The Office season one, mixed in with a selection of interview clips from the creators and fans. Having seen the series a couple of times already, I recorded the whole lot and just fastforwarded to the interviews. It's a shame they didn't just show these as a new 30-minute piece really, because they were quite in-depth and I suspect more people would've watched it as a single piece.
[Watch The Office season one again on iPlayer, complete with all the little interview bits. The BBC Comedy microsite also has additional interview clips.]
DVD Extras
Alien Nation extras
A pair of rubbish featurettes and a handful of trailers, that's the lot.
A pair of rubbish featurettes and a handful of trailers, that's the lot.
Articles
Gladiator Blu-ray Review by Michael Mackenzie
(from DVD Times)
This has been a pretty big story in the Blu-ray world, but just in case you've missed it this review includes some summaries. Essentially: don't buy Gladiator on Blu-ray, the transfer is appalling. This isn't just bad for this particular film, but damages the reputation of both Paramount's new Sapphire Series and, potentially, Blu-ray as a whole.
(from DVD Times)
This has been a pretty big story in the Blu-ray world, but just in case you've missed it this review includes some summaries. Essentially: don't buy Gladiator on Blu-ray, the transfer is appalling. This isn't just bad for this particular film, but damages the reputation of both Paramount's new Sapphire Series and, potentially, Blu-ray as a whole.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Articles
Anderson to helm 3D Musketeers by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
This baffles me, because it doesn't make any kind of sense. Paul W.S. Anderson -- director of such crappy videogame-to-film flicks as Resident Evil, Mortal Kombat and Alien Vs Predator -- has teamed up with Andrew Davies -- writer of such acclaimed dramas as Pride & Prejudice (1995), Bleak House (2005) and many, many more -- to make a version of The Three Musketeers. And it'll be in 3D.
I think my brain is melting and trickling out my ears...
Tyler releases new Total Eclipse
(from BBC News)
I do like Jim Steinman songs.
Voting change for best film Oscar
(from BBC News)
Essentially, voters now grade all ten films with a mark from one to ten. A sensible decision, as potentially a film could have won with only 10.02% of votes, were voters merely to choose their one favourite.
(from Digital Spy)
This baffles me, because it doesn't make any kind of sense. Paul W.S. Anderson -- director of such crappy videogame-to-film flicks as Resident Evil, Mortal Kombat and Alien Vs Predator -- has teamed up with Andrew Davies -- writer of such acclaimed dramas as Pride & Prejudice (1995), Bleak House (2005) and many, many more -- to make a version of The Three Musketeers. And it'll be in 3D.
I think my brain is melting and trickling out my ears...
Tyler releases new Total Eclipse
(from BBC News)
I do like Jim Steinman songs.
Voting change for best film Oscar
(from BBC News)
Essentially, voters now grade all ten films with a mark from one to ten. A sensible decision, as potentially a film could have won with only 10.02% of votes, were voters merely to choose their one favourite.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
TV
The Choir: Unsung Town
Part 1 (of 3)
A third series of Gareth Malone trying to set up a choir in an unlikely place, having a much easier time of it than he did in a boys' school.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
From the Earth to the Moon
Part Six Mare Tranquilitatis
Covering Apollo 11 and the first landing on the Moon.
You Have Been Watching
1x08 The 90's: A Warning From History [season finale]
Amusing take on the TV of the '90s, which still seems so recent but (obviously) began nearly 20 years ago.
If every episode of Neighbours featured plot points as mad as a dog having a dream, I'd still watch it.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Part 1 (of 3)
A third series of Gareth Malone trying to set up a choir in an unlikely place, having a much easier time of it than he did in a boys' school.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
From the Earth to the Moon
Part Six Mare Tranquilitatis
Covering Apollo 11 and the first landing on the Moon.
You Have Been Watching
1x08 The 90's: A Warning From History [season finale]
Amusing take on the TV of the '90s, which still seems so recent but (obviously) began nearly 20 years ago.
If every episode of Neighbours featured plot points as mad as a dog having a dream, I'd still watch it.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Monday, 31 August 2009
TV
Single-Handed
1x02 The Stolen Child
In which there are lots of pretty shots of the countryside, a decent twist in the whodunnit, and Gerry Driscoll gets his much-deserved comeuppance. Hurrah!
(The series was original screened in Ireland as three two-parters in January 2007, January 2008 and April 2009, but ITV are showing them all as one series of three films.)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
1x02 The Stolen Child
In which there are lots of pretty shots of the countryside, a decent twist in the whodunnit, and Gerry Driscoll gets his much-deserved comeuppance. Hurrah!
(The series was original screened in Ireland as three two-parters in January 2007, January 2008 and April 2009, but ITV are showing them all as one series of three films.)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Articles
Doctor Who Exit Interview: David Tennant + Russell T. Davies by Richard Metzger
(from boingboing)
OK, it's a video, not an article, but it's journalism so that's kind of the remit of this section. Anyway, this is a nice nearly-20-minute piece interviewing Tennant and RTD together about their feelings and experiences as they leave Doctor Who.
I'm normally annoyed by video interviews online -- I'd much rather skim through a transcription thanks -- but these two are so personable, and have such a great rapport when put together, that it's a joy to watch. Some good questions are asked, though there are several that are sadly absent (for example, Tennant is asked if he'd return in the future, but RTD isn't asked if he'd like to write for the show again).
(from boingboing)
OK, it's a video, not an article, but it's journalism so that's kind of the remit of this section. Anyway, this is a nice nearly-20-minute piece interviewing Tennant and RTD together about their feelings and experiences as they leave Doctor Who.
I'm normally annoyed by video interviews online -- I'd much rather skim through a transcription thanks -- but these two are so personable, and have such a great rapport when put together, that it's a joy to watch. Some good questions are asked, though there are several that are sadly absent (for example, Tennant is asked if he'd return in the future, but RTD isn't asked if he'd like to write for the show again).
new review at 100 Films
A Few Good Men (1992)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
courtroom dramas primarily depend on two things, even more so than most films: the quality of the writing and the quality of the performances... Camerawork, editing, music and the rest still have their part to play, but without the underpinning of good writing and good performances the technical attributes are merely fighting to cover for significant shortcomings. Fortunately, A Few Good Men has those underpinnings.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
TV
As Seen on TV
1x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 5 (of 7)
What a poor show -- on the part of the makers, not the contestants. They were constantly, repetitively criticised for not "spotting the signs" and "seeing the story". How the hell were they meant to? They had two days, they're not familiar with the region or the animals, and their guides had obviously been told not to tell them anything -- it was only when they directly asked precisely the right question that they finally owned up. And throughout this we had to suffer one of the biggest tits on TV, Nick Knowles, taking the moral high ground. As if he would've noticed if he didn't have two -- two -- experts guiding him round and pointing it all out to him.
I'm severely disappointed to the point of anger with this edition, the only solace being that the contestants were evidently better at their jobs than they had any reason to be and all spotted the signs just in time. But it was pathetic, mean-spirited and unfair to expect them to get there any quicker in the way the task was presented to them, and for this stupidity the show loses serious marks in my book.
[Suffer it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 5 (of 7)
What a poor show -- on the part of the makers, not the contestants. They were constantly, repetitively criticised for not "spotting the signs" and "seeing the story". How the hell were they meant to? They had two days, they're not familiar with the region or the animals, and their guides had obviously been told not to tell them anything -- it was only when they directly asked precisely the right question that they finally owned up. And throughout this we had to suffer one of the biggest tits on TV, Nick Knowles, taking the moral high ground. As if he would've noticed if he didn't have two -- two -- experts guiding him round and pointing it all out to him.
I'm severely disappointed to the point of anger with this edition, the only solace being that the contestants were evidently better at their jobs than they had any reason to be and all spotted the signs just in time. But it was pathetic, mean-spirited and unfair to expect them to get there any quicker in the way the task was presented to them, and for this stupidity the show loses serious marks in my book.
[Suffer it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
A Few Good Men (1992)
[#38 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The final half-hour, finally. Could I handle the truth? Well, yes.
[#38 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The final half-hour, finally. Could I handle the truth? Well, yes.
Articles
Ofcom regulation "astonishing", says Murdoch
and
BBC hits back at Murdoch criticism
and
BBC's Peston questions Murdoch's rationale
(all by James Welsh, from Digital Spy)
James Murdoch clearly thinks he's making some intelligent, if controversial, points. In fact, as the BBC's reasoned response only highlights, he's just having a whiney rant.
"The BBC are bigger than us, it's not fair, wah wah wah!"
and
BBC hits back at Murdoch criticism
and
BBC's Peston questions Murdoch's rationale
(all by James Welsh, from Digital Spy)
James Murdoch clearly thinks he's making some intelligent, if controversial, points. In fact, as the BBC's reasoned response only highlights, he's just having a whiney rant.
"The BBC are bigger than us, it's not fair, wah wah wah!"
Saturday, 29 August 2009
TV
The Cube
1x01 Episode 1
ITV1's latest Phillip Schofield-fronted game show, which started last week. It's sort of almost good, but, let's be honest, it's just a bit too ITV.
That said, some of the slow-motion camera work was appropriate and impressive -- a rare thing, especially for a game show.
And that said, The Body is a shameless attempt at creating a Stig clone. Tsk tsk.
See here for an interesting article on the making of the show.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Mock the Week
7x08 (27/8/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x01 Episode 1
ITV1's latest Phillip Schofield-fronted game show, which started last week. It's sort of almost good, but, let's be honest, it's just a bit too ITV.
That said, some of the slow-motion camera work was appropriate and impressive -- a rare thing, especially for a game show.
And that said, The Body is a shameless attempt at creating a Stig clone. Tsk tsk.
See here for an interesting article on the making of the show.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Mock the Week
7x08 (27/8/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
The X Files: I Want to Believe - Director's Cut (2008)
[#44 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Please look here for my review of this film.
[#44 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Please look here for my review of this film.
new reviews at 100 Films
Three new reviews today -- a brand-new one, plus two I forgot to mention when they went up. First, a film that's on TV this evening...
The X Files: I Want to Believe - Director's Cut (2008)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
And secondly, those forgotten reviews...
Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. Updates here as and when they're posted.
The X Files: I Want to Believe - Director's Cut (2008)
The idea that I Want to Believe was a bit rubbish and thoroughly disappointing is as much (if not more) the fault of those viewers and reviewers who expected a different kind of film and didn’t get it. On the surface, it's a standalone low-key supernatural thriller... but one that also tackles issues of moving on, obsession and belief, and how they can impact on a relationship
Read the full review at 100 Films.
And secondly, those forgotten reviews...
Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
Eastwood’s two Iwo Jima films make good companion pieces. In no serious way do they present Part One and Part Two of a story, but instead two vastly different perspectives on the same events. The points of crossover between the two are neatly used, occurring naturally rather than forcing “you’ll understand this later”-style mysteries upon the viewer, but mainly they explore the way two very different cultures reacted to the same battle.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Every key sequence provides something genuinely worth looking at while still relating the intricate plot, though the cruise offers many of the best bits — the hot, sweaty foreign climes are conveyed brilliantly, aided by sumptuous location photography, and these sunny scenes contrast nicely with the noir plot.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. Updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 28 August 2009
TV
The Tudors
3x03 Dissension and Punishment
3x04 The Death of a Queen
The Duke of Suffolk may just be the best character in The Tudors -- note his development over the past three seasons from womanising wideboy to morally conflicted husband-and-father. What a gift to almost-Bond Henry Cavill this part must be.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
3x03 Dissension and Punishment
3x04 The Death of a Queen
The Duke of Suffolk may just be the best character in The Tudors -- note his development over the past three seasons from womanising wideboy to morally conflicted husband-and-father. What a gift to almost-Bond Henry Cavill this part must be.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 27 August 2009
TV
Doctor Who: Greatest Moments
Part 1 The Doctor
Part clip show, part retrospective, from the team behind Doctor Who Confidential, looking back at memorable moments and themes from the revived version of the series. Plenty of clips, plenty of musings from the cast (interestingly, only one crew member... and he was a cast member too) -- it's pretty lightweight, but it's quite nice.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x03 (24/8/08 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 1 The Doctor
Part clip show, part retrospective, from the team behind Doctor Who Confidential, looking back at memorable moments and themes from the revived version of the series. Plenty of clips, plenty of musings from the cast (interestingly, only one crew member... and he was a cast member too) -- it's pretty lightweight, but it's quite nice.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x03 (24/8/08 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Five, Sky, ITV2 rule out Big Brother bid by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
"Five, Sky1 and ITV2 have ruled out bidding for Big Brother when it becomes available in 2011"
After yesterday's announcement, some more good news.
Review of Sita Sings the Blues by Adrian Smith
(from Retro Ramblings)
This sounds like a very interesting film, not least because it's available for free (legally, that is) in a variety of formats (including full 1080P high definition).
(from Digital Spy)
"Five, Sky1 and ITV2 have ruled out bidding for Big Brother when it becomes available in 2011"
After yesterday's announcement, some more good news.
Review of Sita Sings the Blues by Adrian Smith
(from Retro Ramblings)
This sounds like a very interesting film, not least because it's available for free (legally, that is) in a variety of formats (including full 1080P high definition).
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
TV
Dragons' Den
7x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Taking the Flak
1x06 Big Beasts
1x07 Enter the Lion [season finale]
And, in a surprising twist, I achieved my goal. Hurrah!
All in, this turned out to be a rather good series, so here's hoping for another round.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
7x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Taking the Flak
1x06 Big Beasts
1x07 Enter the Lion [season finale]
And, in a surprising twist, I achieved my goal. Hurrah!
All in, this turned out to be a rather good series, so here's hoping for another round.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
First up, just to highlight it:
“They sucked his brains out!” - Starship Troopers (1997) by primus
(from The Ark)
A nice, lengthy review of Starship Troopers, in which the author aims to "present my case for inducting Starship Troopers in to the Sci-Fi Cinema Hall of Fame (if such a thing were to exist)."
He's got me convinced. (Now I just need to watch the thing...)
And now, some damn fine news...
Big Brother axed by Channel 4 by Mark Sweney & Leigh Holmwood
(from guardian.co.uk)
Hurrah, hurrah, the day has finally come!
Though don't rejoice too much -- it's likely it'll just move to another channel. Damn.
And elsewhere...
Disney 'hints at Cars sequel title' by Tim Parks
(from Digital Spy)
" the studio registered several domain names in conjunction with [Cars 2], including cars2-worldgrandprix.com, cars2worldgrandprix.com, carsworldgrandprix.com and worldgrandprix-movie.com. The sequel to the 2006 animated movie is reportedly likely to be called Cars 2: World Grand Prix."
And the award for Worst Stating Of The Bleeding Obvious goes to...
Iannucci used LA experience for Loop by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
""The BBC sold [the concept of The Thick of It] to the highest bidder rather than the best bidder," he noted. "I really wanted to go to HBO but they took it to ABC which is one of the main family networks run by Disney. Already you knew it was going to be a disaster.""
New Nolan third installment of his Batman Saga rumor... by Harry Knowles
(from Ain't It Cool News)
That it will all be shot in IMAX, apparently (The Dark Knight famously had a few sequences shot that way). It's only a 'maybe' because it would be both expensive and time consuming, but the results could be stunning -- not only would it look great on IMAX, but it increases the resolution so much that it looks better on ordinary film and Blu-ray too. That said, it would still be damn annoying for those of us without convenient IMAX screens.
“They sucked his brains out!” - Starship Troopers (1997) by primus
(from The Ark)
A nice, lengthy review of Starship Troopers, in which the author aims to "present my case for inducting Starship Troopers in to the Sci-Fi Cinema Hall of Fame (if such a thing were to exist)."
He's got me convinced. (Now I just need to watch the thing...)
And now, some damn fine news...
Big Brother axed by Channel 4 by Mark Sweney & Leigh Holmwood
(from guardian.co.uk)
Hurrah, hurrah, the day has finally come!
Though don't rejoice too much -- it's likely it'll just move to another channel. Damn.
And elsewhere...
Disney 'hints at Cars sequel title' by Tim Parks
(from Digital Spy)
" the studio registered several domain names in conjunction with [Cars 2], including cars2-worldgrandprix.com, cars2worldgrandprix.com, carsworldgrandprix.com and worldgrandprix-movie.com. The sequel to the 2006 animated movie is reportedly likely to be called Cars 2: World Grand Prix."
And the award for Worst Stating Of The Bleeding Obvious goes to...
Iannucci used LA experience for Loop by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
""The BBC sold [the concept of The Thick of It] to the highest bidder rather than the best bidder," he noted. "I really wanted to go to HBO but they took it to ABC which is one of the main family networks run by Disney. Already you knew it was going to be a disaster.""
New Nolan third installment of his Batman Saga rumor... by Harry Knowles
(from Ain't It Cool News)
That it will all be shot in IMAX, apparently (The Dark Knight famously had a few sequences shot that way). It's only a 'maybe' because it would be both expensive and time consuming, but the results could be stunning -- not only would it look great on IMAX, but it increases the resolution so much that it looks better on ordinary film and Blu-ray too. That said, it would still be damn annoying for those of us without convenient IMAX screens.
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
TV
Taking the Flak
1x04 The Past is a Different Colony
1x05 Unfriendly Fire
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 4 (of 7)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x04 The Past is a Different Colony
1x05 Unfriendly Fire
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 4 (of 7)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Inception Trailer
The new film from Christopher 'The Dark Knight' Nolan. Little/nothing is known about the plot, but it does look rather cool. On the other hand, it also looks a little bit Matrixy -- but hopefully not too much, because obviously that's a decade old now. Brilliant cast too, incidentally.
The new film from Christopher 'The Dark Knight' Nolan. Little/nothing is known about the plot, but it does look rather cool. On the other hand, it also looks a little bit Matrixy -- but hopefully not too much, because obviously that's a decade old now. Brilliant cast too, incidentally.
Articles
Loophole over DVD age rating law
(from BBC News)
"Retailers who sell violent video games and 18-rated DVDs to children cannot be prosecuted because of a legal blunder 25 years ago."
Oops.
Robin Williams keen to play Susan Boyle in film biopic by Ben Child
(from guardian.co.uk)
"The comedy actor, who donned drag and assumed a Scottish accent in Mrs Doubtfire, has expressed a wish to play the Britain's Got Talent star in a biopic".
I've not bothered to watch any of the Susan Boyle footage (not any of it), but that I'd watch.
Smith's Hancock sequel finds writers by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Well well well, I didn't see that coming. Of course, I'd only heard the poor critical reception -- I didn't realise it had done so well at the box office. As ever, money beats quality.
(from BBC News)
"Retailers who sell violent video games and 18-rated DVDs to children cannot be prosecuted because of a legal blunder 25 years ago."
Oops.
Robin Williams keen to play Susan Boyle in film biopic by Ben Child
(from guardian.co.uk)
"The comedy actor, who donned drag and assumed a Scottish accent in Mrs Doubtfire, has expressed a wish to play the Britain's Got Talent star in a biopic".
I've not bothered to watch any of the Susan Boyle footage (not any of it), but that I'd watch.
Smith's Hancock sequel finds writers by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Well well well, I didn't see that coming. Of course, I'd only heard the poor critical reception -- I didn't realise it had done so well at the box office. As ever, money beats quality.
Monday, 24 August 2009
TV
From the Earth to the Moon
Part Five Spider
Please look here for my thoughts on this episode.
The Last Volunteer
A tribute to Henry Allingham, one of the last survivors of the First World War, who died last month aged 113. Despite his age, he was clearly still young at heart with a twinkle in his eye, attending events and speaking in schools about his experiences in the War, now almost a century ago.
A Poem For Harry
Broadcast at the same time as the Allingham tribute, this documentary (filmed in early 2008) follows then-Poet Laureate Andrew Motion as he tried to write a poem about Harry Patch, the last man living to have fought in the trenches, who also died just one week after Allingham. The film interviews Patch and investigates his life along with Motion, as he gains insight and inspiration for his poem, meaning that when he reads it publicly for the first time (shown at the end of the programme) we know where all the various references and allusions originated. Perhaps it's the fault of the documentary making sure to explain every nuance of the poem, but it seemed a bit too on-the-nose for me.
Taking the Flak
1x02 Black Gold, Code Red
1x03 Cursed is the Country
Hastily catching up on this before it disappears from iPlayer on Wednesday.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Part Five Spider
Please look here for my thoughts on this episode.
The Last Volunteer
A tribute to Henry Allingham, one of the last survivors of the First World War, who died last month aged 113. Despite his age, he was clearly still young at heart with a twinkle in his eye, attending events and speaking in schools about his experiences in the War, now almost a century ago.
A Poem For Harry
Broadcast at the same time as the Allingham tribute, this documentary (filmed in early 2008) follows then-Poet Laureate Andrew Motion as he tried to write a poem about Harry Patch, the last man living to have fought in the trenches, who also died just one week after Allingham. The film interviews Patch and investigates his life along with Motion, as he gains insight and inspiration for his poem, meaning that when he reads it publicly for the first time (shown at the end of the programme) we know where all the various references and allusions originated. Perhaps it's the fault of the documentary making sure to explain every nuance of the poem, but it seemed a bit too on-the-nose for me.
Taking the Flak
1x02 Black Gold, Code Red
1x03 Cursed is the Country
Hastily catching up on this before it disappears from iPlayer on Wednesday.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
From the Earth to the Moon - Part 5
The fifth part of HBO's From the Earth to the Moon jumps back in time to the beginnings of the plans to go to the Moon to cover the development of the Lunar Module, the craft that would actually put men on the Moon's surface.
Such a change of pace, structure and -- for most of the episode -- cast continues this series' unusual approach to serial storytelling, where the only constant is Tom Hanks' slightly awkward opening monologues (always a minute or two of apparently-unrelated but actually thematically-relevant anecdotes that convolute themselves to conclude with a sentence ending "...from the Earth to the Moon").
Writer Andy Wolk also manages to inject some levity into the series, the amount of humour bringing a subtly different tone to this episode. It works especially well here, considering the story is essentially about a group of engineers designing a piece of machinery. As for actual space missions, Apollo 9 (the first test of the Module in space, where it went by the call sign "Spider" -- yep, this episode's title) gets a bit of a look-in in the second half, while Apollo 10 is relegated to no more than two minutes at the close.
Of course, the Module's greatest test is still to come. Next stop, the Moon...
Such a change of pace, structure and -- for most of the episode -- cast continues this series' unusual approach to serial storytelling, where the only constant is Tom Hanks' slightly awkward opening monologues (always a minute or two of apparently-unrelated but actually thematically-relevant anecdotes that convolute themselves to conclude with a sentence ending "...from the Earth to the Moon").
Writer Andy Wolk also manages to inject some levity into the series, the amount of humour bringing a subtly different tone to this episode. It works especially well here, considering the story is essentially about a group of engineers designing a piece of machinery. As for actual space missions, Apollo 9 (the first test of the Module in space, where it went by the call sign "Spider" -- yep, this episode's title) gets a bit of a look-in in the second half, while Apollo 10 is relegated to no more than two minutes at the close.
Of course, the Module's greatest test is still to come. Next stop, the Moon...
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