By Any Means
Part 4 (of 6)
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
15x04 (26/9/08 edition)
Three out of four of Wossy's guests were British comedians who've effectively moved to the US -- practically a themed show! Certainly, an above average edition, even with Jamie Oliver and Keane playing their nothingy new single (how much longer can they trade off having a couple of good tracks on their first album?)
Poirot
11x03 Third Girl
According to TV.com, there's a fourth episode in Poirot's 11th series. According to the Radio Times, this is the last episode ITV are airing for now. It must be said, ITV do very very odd things with their scheduling of new episodes of Poirot and Marple.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Part 2 (of 4)
Top Gear
11x04 (13/7/08 edition)
Hurrah for Dave!
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Articles
The 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time by Simon Braund, Glen Ferris, Ian Freer, Nev Pierce, Chris Hewitt, Dan Jolin, Ian Nathan, Kim Newman, Helen O'Hara, Olly Richards & Owen Willams
(from Empire #233, p.88-172)
Today: 449-300. (Or, "three times as much as yesterday, with twice as much as today still to go".)
(from Empire #233, p.88-172)
Today: 449-300. (Or, "three times as much as yesterday, with twice as much as today still to go".)
Saturday, 27 September 2008
TV
Merlin
1x02 Valiant
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
2x03 (27/9/08 edition)
I wouldn't normally watch a Lottery show, but this keeps being on after stuff and I wind up watching bits on mute, so this week I just turned the sound on. The final round, "Films Directed by Steven Spielberg", was bloody easy. I'd've had that £50k no problem.
Mock the Week
6x12 (25/9/08 edition) [season finale]
A highlights/cut bits show to end the series. Still very funny.
1x02 Valiant
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
2x03 (27/9/08 edition)
I wouldn't normally watch a Lottery show, but this keeps being on after stuff and I wind up watching bits on mute, so this week I just turned the sound on. The final round, "Films Directed by Steven Spielberg", was bloody easy. I'd've had that £50k no problem.
Mock the Week
6x12 (25/9/08 edition) [season finale]
A highlights/cut bits show to end the series. Still very funny.
Articles
The 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time by Simon Braund, Glen Ferris, Ian Freer, Nev Pierce, Chris Hewitt, Dan Jolin, Ian Nathan, Kim Newman, Helen O'Hara, Olly Richards & Owen Willams
(from Empire #233, p.88-172)
You may've heard about Empire's huge "500 Greatest Films Ever" poll. Well, the results are finally out -- in the new issue, which has 101 covers, or for free online. Personally, I'm reading them in the mag -- all 85(!) pages -- and it's gonna take some time.
Today: 500-450.
(from Empire #233, p.88-172)
You may've heard about Empire's huge "500 Greatest Films Ever" poll. Well, the results are finally out -- in the new issue, which has 101 covers, or for free online. Personally, I'm reading them in the mag -- all 85(!) pages -- and it's gonna take some time.
Today: 500-450.
Friday, 26 September 2008
Theatre
Hamlet
(at the The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon)
Starring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart! Oh yeah! Brilliant it was too.
(at the The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon)
Starring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart! Oh yeah! Brilliant it was too.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Films
Zodiac (2007)
[#64 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Just ahead of the director's cut making it to UK DVD on Monday (at last), I've finally gotten round to watching the original version. I thought I ought to, really, as I own it and have the DC on pre-order, and especially as the latter's only five minutes longer (I guess it'll be #a when I finally watch it then). Brilliant film, by-the-way.
[#64 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Just ahead of the director's cut making it to UK DVD on Monday (at last), I've finally gotten round to watching the original version. I thought I ought to, really, as I own it and have the DC on pre-order, and especially as the latter's only five minutes longer (I guess it'll be #a when I finally watch it then). Brilliant film, by-the-way.
Non-Fiction
Overheard in New York by S. Morgan Friedman & Michael Malice
"Going Underground" (pages 138-172)
"Going Underground" (pages 138-172)
Music
Another Way to Die (song) by Jack White & Alicia Keys
[40th listen]
While everyone else seems to be railing against this, it's grown on me and now I really like it. I imagine it'll be great in the film too. It's now been officially released -- it's digital download or vinyl only, so grab it from iTunes (not in the US til next month, ha ha!) -- and it sounds a lot better in full quality rather than via poor radio rips.
[40th listen]
While everyone else seems to be railing against this, it's grown on me and now I really like it. I imagine it'll be great in the film too. It's now been officially released -- it's digital download or vinyl only, so grab it from iTunes (not in the US til next month, ha ha!) -- and it sounds a lot better in full quality rather than via poor radio rips.
Articles
I Am Legend Prequel Moving Forward
(from ComingSoon.net)
Why? There's even less need than normal here -- the backstory was told in the film in flashbacks; we all know what'll happen at the end; and while the first film did good box office, most people were disappointed by it, surely meaning returning crowds will be down. I won't be surprised if this never really sees the light of day.
(from ComingSoon.net)
Why? There's even less need than normal here -- the backstory was told in the film in flashbacks; we all know what'll happen at the end; and while the first film did good box office, most people were disappointed by it, surely meaning returning crowds will be down. I won't be surprised if this never really sees the light of day.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Music
James Bond Theme (Casino Royale Trailer Version) by Pfeifer Broz. Music [many listens]
The Pfeifer Broz's amazing version of the Bond theme joins the elite list (eight members) of songs I've listened to over 100 times. Of course, being just two minutes long helps -- I've (apparently) spent 3 hours 24 minutes listening to it, compared to 9 hours 30 mins for my #1 song, or 16 hours 43 minutes for the song just below it (that one's 10 minutes long, you see).
The Pfeifer Broz's amazing version of the Bond theme joins the elite list (eight members) of songs I've listened to over 100 times. Of course, being just two minutes long helps -- I've (apparently) spent 3 hours 24 minutes listening to it, compared to 9 hours 30 mins for my #1 song, or 16 hours 43 minutes for the song just below it (that one's 10 minutes long, you see).
Articles: Quantum of Solace
A variety of articles relating to the forthcoming Bond film (only one month to go here in the UK!)
Daniel Craig: Back For Bond 23 And The Next Few After That by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"Barbara Broccoli [producer]... confirmed that Craig would be back in Bond 23 and the ‘next few’ films... With news that the Quantum group represents a kind-of modern day SPECTRE... fans have been wondering which story lines in the Craig era would continue on from Quantum of Solace to Bond 23. Broccoli said: ‘This is a continuation, but I think the story kind of completes here. I think you know we had a lot of unanswered questions at the end of Casino Royale, and this story just kind of completes that cycle and will go on to other different stories from now on.’"
Doing a Bond sequel is a great idea -- the Connery ones had linking threads, but they were still totally standalone -- but it also makes sense to not drag it out too long. It would be quite nice if the Quantum group took a third film to finish off completely though, I think, even if it was in an otherwise unrelated story -- like the '60s ones.
David Arnold Gives Verdict On Another Way To Die by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"James Bond composer David Arnold has weighed in on the newest title theme... ‘Even from the first draft, I loved the atmosphere of it more than anything. You know, it’s got a kind of dirty, ugly, but very kind of sexy feel to it. I think when you see the song at the point in the movie where it comes, everything kind of fits in and makes sense.’"
The Name's Bond... Period. by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"Quantum of Solace to drop the famous introduction as well as 'shaken, not stirred' line." Read the full article for some interesting thoughts on the Bond formula.
New Quantum of Solace Poster Artwork Revealed by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
It's actually the soundtrack cover in this article, but it's since appeared elsewhere as a poster-shaped poster. Odd to have the girl the same size as Bond, but its simple, sparse style ties with the previous poster and those for Casino Royale.
Quantum of Solace: Shortest Bond Film Ever by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
Well, I didn't expect that! An economically-lengthed franchise film in this day & age? What's the world coming to? Intriguingly, virtually the same thing happened back in the mid-'90s, when Pierce Brosnan followed the two-hours-plus GoldenEye with Tomorrow Never Dies, easily the shortest Bond since Connery's films. Still, nothing like as brief as Quantum will be!
Daniel Craig: Back For Bond 23 And The Next Few After That by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"Barbara Broccoli [producer]... confirmed that Craig would be back in Bond 23 and the ‘next few’ films... With news that the Quantum group represents a kind-of modern day SPECTRE... fans have been wondering which story lines in the Craig era would continue on from Quantum of Solace to Bond 23. Broccoli said: ‘This is a continuation, but I think the story kind of completes here. I think you know we had a lot of unanswered questions at the end of Casino Royale, and this story just kind of completes that cycle and will go on to other different stories from now on.’"
Doing a Bond sequel is a great idea -- the Connery ones had linking threads, but they were still totally standalone -- but it also makes sense to not drag it out too long. It would be quite nice if the Quantum group took a third film to finish off completely though, I think, even if it was in an otherwise unrelated story -- like the '60s ones.
David Arnold Gives Verdict On Another Way To Die by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"James Bond composer David Arnold has weighed in on the newest title theme... ‘Even from the first draft, I loved the atmosphere of it more than anything. You know, it’s got a kind of dirty, ugly, but very kind of sexy feel to it. I think when you see the song at the point in the movie where it comes, everything kind of fits in and makes sense.’"
The Name's Bond... Period. by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
"Quantum of Solace to drop the famous introduction as well as 'shaken, not stirred' line." Read the full article for some interesting thoughts on the Bond formula.
New Quantum of Solace Poster Artwork Revealed by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
It's actually the soundtrack cover in this article, but it's since appeared elsewhere as a poster-shaped poster. Odd to have the girl the same size as Bond, but its simple, sparse style ties with the previous poster and those for Casino Royale.
Quantum of Solace: Shortest Bond Film Ever by Matt Weston
(from CommanderBond.net)
Well, I didn't expect that! An economically-lengthed franchise film in this day & age? What's the world coming to? Intriguingly, virtually the same thing happened back in the mid-'90s, when Pierce Brosnan followed the two-hours-plus GoldenEye with Tomorrow Never Dies, easily the shortest Bond since Connery's films. Still, nothing like as brief as Quantum will be!
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
TV
Mutual Friends
1x05 Episode Five
The Riches
2x02 Friday Night Lights
2x03 Field of Dreams
Episode 2 feels very much like the second half of Episode 1, leading me to wonder if they were originally broadcast as a two-hour premiere in the US. I can't be bothered to check though. Even if they weren't, I bet they were intended to be -- the first half had a very unusual and abrupt ending, while this one continues the story very directly, establishes a new status quo, and comes to a more appropriate conclusion. And then Episode 3 is as crazy as ever, of course.
1x05 Episode Five
The Riches
2x02 Friday Night Lights
2x03 Field of Dreams
Episode 2 feels very much like the second half of Episode 1, leading me to wonder if they were originally broadcast as a two-hour premiere in the US. I can't be bothered to check though. Even if they weren't, I bet they were intended to be -- the first half had a very unusual and abrupt ending, while this one continues the story very directly, establishes a new status quo, and comes to a more appropriate conclusion. And then Episode 3 is as crazy as ever, of course.
Articles
Bollywood's Hari Puttar wins Harry Potter suit by Ramola Talwar Badam
(from Mail.com)
Craziness.
Google phone to cost $179, debut Oct. 22 by Peter Svensson
(from Mail.com)
Will it beat the iPhone? Not looking like that it won't.
Study: Series TV showing more gays, lesbians
(from Mail.com)
Amusingly thorough study of the number of LGBT characters in the forthcoming US TV season.
Talking Shop by Rory Bremner
(from Radio Times 27 Sept-3 Oct 2008, p.20-23)
Bremner supposedly interviews Parky -- a great idea, but the article includes next to nothing from their conversation. Boo! Apparently more can be found online at radiotimes.com/parkinson, though I haven't looked for myself.
And finally, coming soon...
Loft in Space by Benjamin Cook
(from Radio Times 27 Sept-3 Oct 2008, p.8-9)
The Sarah Jane Adventures is almost back! I really ought to get round to watching the trailers...
Upping the anti by Jenny Eden
(from Radio Times 27 Sept-3 Oct 2008, p.10-11)
Heroes is almost back! And with a teeny tiny delay from the US too. Lovely.
(from Mail.com)
Craziness.
Google phone to cost $179, debut Oct. 22 by Peter Svensson
(from Mail.com)
Will it beat the iPhone? Not looking like that it won't.
Study: Series TV showing more gays, lesbians
(from Mail.com)
Amusingly thorough study of the number of LGBT characters in the forthcoming US TV season.
Talking Shop by Rory Bremner
(from Radio Times 27 Sept-3 Oct 2008, p.20-23)
Bremner supposedly interviews Parky -- a great idea, but the article includes next to nothing from their conversation. Boo! Apparently more can be found online at radiotimes.com/parkinson, though I haven't looked for myself.
And finally, coming soon...
Loft in Space by Benjamin Cook
(from Radio Times 27 Sept-3 Oct 2008, p.8-9)
The Sarah Jane Adventures is almost back! I really ought to get round to watching the trailers...
Upping the anti by Jenny Eden
(from Radio Times 27 Sept-3 Oct 2008, p.10-11)
Heroes is almost back! And with a teeny tiny delay from the US too. Lovely.
Monday, 22 September 2008
TV
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
15x03 (19/9/08 edition)
What's up with Iglu & Hartly? They look like Ashes to Ashes in reverse.
Place of Execution
Part 1 (of 3)
Adapted from the novel A Place of Execution -- why drop the "A"? Why? -- this was a lot better than I was expecting. I am suitably intrigued for part two, next week (of course).
15x03 (19/9/08 edition)
What's up with Iglu & Hartly? They look like Ashes to Ashes in reverse.
Place of Execution
Part 1 (of 3)
Adapted from the novel A Place of Execution -- why drop the "A"? Why? -- this was a lot better than I was expecting. I am suitably intrigued for part two, next week (of course).
Sunday, 21 September 2008
TV
By Any Means
Part 3 (of 6)
Poirot
11x02 Cat Among the Pigeons
I was quite surprised to see this episode was written by Mark Gatiss. Also, it starred an unusually high number of recognisable people, even for a Poirot -- Harriet Walter, Claire Skinner, Elizabeth Berrington, Anton Lesser, Natasha Little, Pippa Haywood, Katie Leung, and Miranda Raison doing a terrible French accent.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Part 1 (of 4)
Top Gear
11x05 (20/7/08 edition)
I missed the second half of this series when I went to America, and now I've missed one during the repeats. Dammit. Scouring Dave's schedules it is then.
Part 3 (of 6)
Poirot
11x02 Cat Among the Pigeons
I was quite surprised to see this episode was written by Mark Gatiss. Also, it starred an unusually high number of recognisable people, even for a Poirot -- Harriet Walter, Claire Skinner, Elizabeth Berrington, Anton Lesser, Natasha Little, Pippa Haywood, Katie Leung, and Miranda Raison doing a terrible French accent.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Part 1 (of 4)
Top Gear
11x05 (20/7/08 edition)
I missed the second half of this series when I went to America, and now I've missed one during the repeats. Dammit. Scouring Dave's schedules it is then.
Saturday, 20 September 2008
TV
Merlin
1x01 The Dragon's Call
Not to be confused with the excellent Sam Neill-starring miniseries from 1998 (my God, has it really been so long?!), this is the BBC's revamped 'Young Merlin' series. Perhaps it should've been called Camelot? (Actually, that's just a flat-out bad suggestion. Why can't it be set in some distinctively-named hometown of the young Merlin, hm?) Anyhow, it was pretty good. Shows promise.
The Riches
2x01 The Last Temptation of Wayne
Ah The Riches -- still as utterly barmy as ever, trying to recover from the utterly loopy finale of the first season. I swear the writers must make this up as they go along, just writing and writing and writing until they reach the page count for an episode, then ending it and going right on to the next. Still, it's more or less cancelled (its status is still officially up in the air, but it's been a long time since season two aired in America) so there's only six more episodes of story to go. I bet it ends on a cliffhanger though... (Also, for anyone who clicks on my episode name links -- look how much TV.com's changed! Weird...)
1x01 The Dragon's Call
Not to be confused with the excellent Sam Neill-starring miniseries from 1998 (my God, has it really been so long?!), this is the BBC's revamped 'Young Merlin' series. Perhaps it should've been called Camelot? (Actually, that's just a flat-out bad suggestion. Why can't it be set in some distinctively-named hometown of the young Merlin, hm?) Anyhow, it was pretty good. Shows promise.
The Riches
2x01 The Last Temptation of Wayne
Ah The Riches -- still as utterly barmy as ever, trying to recover from the utterly loopy finale of the first season. I swear the writers must make this up as they go along, just writing and writing and writing until they reach the page count for an episode, then ending it and going right on to the next. Still, it's more or less cancelled (its status is still officially up in the air, but it's been a long time since season two aired in America) so there's only six more episodes of story to go. I bet it ends on a cliffhanger though... (Also, for anyone who clicks on my episode name links -- look how much TV.com's changed! Weird...)
Articles
Alasdair Dewar - Part 2
(from doctorwhotoys.net)
See me mention part one here.
Silent Shakespeare by Nicci Gerrard
(from the Silent Shakespeare DVD booklet)
(from doctorwhotoys.net)
See me mention part one here.
Silent Shakespeare by Nicci Gerrard
(from the Silent Shakespeare DVD booklet)
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