Mad Men
2x12 The Mountain King
See here for my thoughts on this episode.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Omid Djalili Show
2x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Wire
2x01 Ebb Tide
See here for my thoughts on this episode.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Poetry
The Nation's Favourite Comic Poems, edited by Griff Rhys Jones
Foreword
Pages 13 - 126
As ever in an anthology with such a title there's a mix of the well-known and the obscure, the hilariously funny and the rather damp.
Despite being originally published to tie-in with the BBC's hunt for the country's favourite poem (over a decade ago now!), it's currently available in a 2008 reprint from BBC Books. Although the RRP is £6.99, the ever-wonderful Book People have a collection of six Nation's Favourite Poem books for that price. Certainly worth a look.
Foreword
Pages 13 - 126
As ever in an anthology with such a title there's a mix of the well-known and the obscure, the hilariously funny and the rather damp.
Despite being originally published to tie-in with the BBC's hunt for the country's favourite poem (over a decade ago now!), it's currently available in a 2008 reprint from BBC Books. Although the RRP is £6.99, the ever-wonderful Book People have a collection of six Nation's Favourite Poem books for that price. Certainly worth a look.
Articles
Memos to Hollywood by Manohla Dargis & A.O. Scott
(from The New York Times)
Funny and insightful series of fake memos to filmmakers & co telling them how to make movies better. All very true.
What's The Most Memorable Post-Credits Goodie? by Chris Hewitt
(from the Empire Blog)
With news that Wolverine has anywhere from two to six different post-credits scenes in an attempt to lure fans to cinemas after the film's final cut leaked online, Empire ponders which other films have especially memorable hidden scenes. Their assertion it's a new phenomenon is interesting -- it's been going on for decades, especially in comedies; it's just that it's become very popular recently. Personally, I find them very irritating, and often just wait to fast-forward a DVD to find them.
(from The New York Times)
Funny and insightful series of fake memos to filmmakers & co telling them how to make movies better. All very true.
What's The Most Memorable Post-Credits Goodie? by Chris Hewitt
(from the Empire Blog)
With news that Wolverine has anywhere from two to six different post-credits scenes in an attempt to lure fans to cinemas after the film's final cut leaked online, Empire ponders which other films have especially memorable hidden scenes. Their assertion it's a new phenomenon is interesting -- it's been going on for decades, especially in comedies; it's just that it's become very popular recently. Personally, I find them very irritating, and often just wait to fast-forward a DVD to find them.
Mad Men 2x12: The Mountain King
Bloody brilliant! This is why Mad Men wins BAFTAs, Emmys and Golden Globes, and deserves every last one.
I was surprised The Wire didn't take the BAFTA this year, but Mad Men is a long, long way from being an unjustifiable choice. In fact, it pulls many of the same high-quality tricks as The Wire (this episode, for example, explains a mystery from way back in episode one that hasn't even been alluded to since, and does so in a way that may even go unnoticed by most viewers), but I suspect that the lack of semi-comprehensible 'different culture' ghetto dialogue and storylines holds it back from the intellectual praise places like The Guardian heap on that other series because those writers can't sit around being proud they "get it" even though it's not their culture.
(Cynical? Me? Never!)
I'm currently a week behind, so this season's final episode was shown on BBC Four this evening. I'll be getting round to it ASAP, though based on the first season I expect we'll have a cliffhanger to endure until the third season begins (in August in the US -- I hope we don't have to wait as long as we did for season two).
I was surprised The Wire didn't take the BAFTA this year, but Mad Men is a long, long way from being an unjustifiable choice. In fact, it pulls many of the same high-quality tricks as The Wire (this episode, for example, explains a mystery from way back in episode one that hasn't even been alluded to since, and does so in a way that may even go unnoticed by most viewers), but I suspect that the lack of semi-comprehensible 'different culture' ghetto dialogue and storylines holds it back from the intellectual praise places like The Guardian heap on that other series because those writers can't sit around being proud they "get it" even though it's not their culture.
(Cynical? Me? Never!)
I'm currently a week behind, so this season's final episode was shown on BBC Four this evening. I'll be getting round to it ASAP, though based on the first season I expect we'll have a cliffhanger to endure until the third season begins (in August in the US -- I hope we don't have to wait as long as we did for season two).
The Wire 2x01: Ebb Tide
The Wire's back, negating my previous concerns. Hurrah!
So it's a new season and a new story -- not that the events of the previous one have been forgotten. Far from it, in fact, as what remains of the Barksdale gang struggle on with new problems despite the investigation being over. What those problems are exactly remains unclear though, as The Wire sticks to its opaque style of storytelling, arguably more than ever.
This first episode is mostly catch-up and set-up: alongside seeing where (most of) the first season's team have been shoved away to, there's a raft of new characters at the docks. I can see how this complete change must've been unsettling for viewers expecting more of the same, but the variety and new mystery seem pleasantly fresh. This production team know what they're doing, and I wager it'll pay to trust them and go with it.
That said, my main fear is that it could go the way of Damages. There, an excellent first season has been followed by a bit of a scrappy second, which tried to juggle hanging plots from the first season with a brand new one. The result is a bit of a mess, a result I'm hoping The Wire won't emulate.
(I say "emulate" -- The Wire did its second season years before Damages even began.)
So it's a new season and a new story -- not that the events of the previous one have been forgotten. Far from it, in fact, as what remains of the Barksdale gang struggle on with new problems despite the investigation being over. What those problems are exactly remains unclear though, as The Wire sticks to its opaque style of storytelling, arguably more than ever.
This first episode is mostly catch-up and set-up: alongside seeing where (most of) the first season's team have been shoved away to, there's a raft of new characters at the docks. I can see how this complete change must've been unsettling for viewers expecting more of the same, but the variety and new mystery seem pleasantly fresh. This production team know what they're doing, and I wager it'll pay to trust them and go with it.
That said, my main fear is that it could go the way of Damages. There, an excellent first season has been followed by a bit of a scrappy second, which tried to juggle hanging plots from the first season with a brand new one. The result is a bit of a mess, a result I'm hoping The Wire won't emulate.
(I say "emulate" -- The Wire did its second season years before Damages even began.)
Monday, 4 May 2009
Articles
Deja View by Darren Bignell
(from LOVEFiLM)
"Ever noticed how a film of a certain specific type will emerge, and before you know it, there's another on the self-same topic coming out too? Often separated by only a matter of weeks? It happens more often than you'd think..."
This is a phenomenon I've oft noticed, though here the well-known examples (Armageddon/Deep Impact, Antz/A Bug's Life) are accompanied by some more obscure (who knew Top Gun or Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves both had twins?), and some which stretch it with release dates a year (or more) apart. Interesting read though.
(from LOVEFiLM)
"Ever noticed how a film of a certain specific type will emerge, and before you know it, there's another on the self-same topic coming out too? Often separated by only a matter of weeks? It happens more often than you'd think..."
This is a phenomenon I've oft noticed, though here the well-known examples (Armageddon/Deep Impact, Antz/A Bug's Life) are accompanied by some more obscure (who knew Top Gun or Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves both had twins?), and some which stretch it with release dates a year (or more) apart. Interesting read though.
new review at 100 Films
Big Nothing (2006)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Across its running time — and mostly in the opening half-hour — Big Nothing jumps wildly from mundane comedy to confidence scam thriller to black comedy to geeky spoof... It does settle down however, improving immensely once it gets on with telling its (still loopy) story and stops trying to impress with flashy tricks.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 14 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, not to mention two shorts, a film I've previously seen, and an alternate cut. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
TV
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
1x03 The Boy With an African Heart
No.1 Ladies'... is done a great disservice by many critics, and this episode especially shows how it can be funny and lovely but also surprisingly moving. In short, what Sunday night drama should be.
Orangutan Diary
2x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
Part recap, part catchup, occasional behind-the-scenes bits.
1x03 The Boy With an African Heart
No.1 Ladies'... is done a great disservice by many critics, and this episode especially shows how it can be funny and lovely but also surprisingly moving. In short, what Sunday night drama should be.
Orangutan Diary
2x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
Part recap, part catchup, occasional behind-the-scenes bits.
Articles
A Peek At The 100 Million Views Club: You Won’t Be Invited Any Time Soon by Robin Wauters
(from TechCrunch)
Someone's worked out the 100 most-watched viral videos of all time, and here Wauters perceptively tells us why they're not so virally after all.
(from TechCrunch)
Someone's worked out the 100 most-watched viral videos of all time, and here Wauters perceptively tells us why they're not so virally after all.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
TV
I've Never Seen Star Wars
1x08 Esther Rantzen [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x06 Episode 6
The plot is as oddly meandering as ever, and the Governmental villains are typically frustrating, but someone had a lot of fun directing and in the editing suite this week. Plus, the bird/car chase through a forest was a genuinely fantastic action sequence.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Robin Hood
3x06 Do You Love Me?
Prince John is brilliant, exactly what the series needs. Long live Toby Stephens!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x08 Esther Rantzen [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
3x06 Episode 6
The plot is as oddly meandering as ever, and the Governmental villains are typically frustrating, but someone had a lot of fun directing and in the editing suite this week. Plus, the bird/car chase through a forest was a genuinely fantastic action sequence.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Robin Hood
3x06 Do You Love Me?
Prince John is brilliant, exactly what the series needs. Long live Toby Stephens!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Airplane! (1980)
[#21 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
One of the many films on my (imaginary) list of "films it's unbelievable I haven't seen". I think, if it were real, it would be a fairly long list.
[#21 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
One of the many films on my (imaginary) list of "films it's unbelievable I haven't seen". I think, if it were real, it would be a fairly long list.
Magazines
Doctor Who Magazine #408
Lots of letters about last issue's Christopher H Bidmead interview... which I still haven't read. Elsewhere, next-to-no news. Long way 'til there's more Who on telly yet.
Radio Times 2-8 May 2009
Amongst all its usual goodness, this RT includes an excellent article about the job of Sundays. It's by Alexander Armstrong and it's on page 14, and I'm sorry I'm only mentioning it when this issue has two days left on sale.
What Hi-Fi? May 2009
Looking for a new TV and a Blu-ray player, so what better place than an expert mag with a buyer's guide? The next issue (out in just a few days) may have a "Budget Blu-ray Shootout" to find the best low-cost player, but this issue's review of the Panasonic DMP-BD60 has me quite convinced (that linked-to one is different to the one in the magazine, though covers more-or-less the same points). It's especially attractive as I know I can get it chipped to play any region, an essential addition for me. Super!
Lots of letters about last issue's Christopher H Bidmead interview... which I still haven't read. Elsewhere, next-to-no news. Long way 'til there's more Who on telly yet.
Radio Times 2-8 May 2009
Amongst all its usual goodness, this RT includes an excellent article about the job of Sundays. It's by Alexander Armstrong and it's on page 14, and I'm sorry I'm only mentioning it when this issue has two days left on sale.
What Hi-Fi? May 2009
Looking for a new TV and a Blu-ray player, so what better place than an expert mag with a buyer's guide? The next issue (out in just a few days) may have a "Budget Blu-ray Shootout" to find the best low-cost player, but this issue's review of the Panasonic DMP-BD60 has me quite convinced (that linked-to one is different to the one in the magazine, though covers more-or-less the same points). It's especially attractive as I know I can get it chipped to play any region, an essential addition for me. Super!
Friday, 1 May 2009
TV
Boy Meets Girl
Part 1 (of 4)
ITV's much-promoted new bodyswap series is pretty good, though one wonders how it's going to sustain four whole episodes. The best thing (by far) is Rachael Stirling's lead performance, an impressive imitation of Martin Freeman's character.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Omid Djalili Show
2x02 Episode 2
Colin Salmon as James Bond! Making many Bond fans very happy, I'm sure.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Robin Hood
3x05 Let the Games Commence
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 1 (of 4)
ITV's much-promoted new bodyswap series is pretty good, though one wonders how it's going to sustain four whole episodes. The best thing (by far) is Rachael Stirling's lead performance, an impressive imitation of Martin Freeman's character.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Omid Djalili Show
2x02 Episode 2
Colin Salmon as James Bond! Making many Bond fans very happy, I'm sure.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Robin Hood
3x05 Let the Games Commence
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Poem of the Week: Verse and Subversion Go Hand in Hand, but Whither?
by Kit Wright
A non-poetry-lover's poem. If you can get past its occasional deliberately-self-aware poetic style, that is. Kit Wright is one of the more enjoyable poets I've been experiencing recently so expect to see more of his work here in the future.
Taken from Hoping It Might Be So: Poems 1974-2000, a long collection that "brings together all of Kit Wright’s previous collections for adults as well as three dozen new poems". This is one of those new poems, first published in 2000. Hoping It Might Be So is currently in print from Faber Finds (a Faber & Faber imprint, of course).
A non-poetry-lover's poem. If you can get past its occasional deliberately-self-aware poetic style, that is. Kit Wright is one of the more enjoyable poets I've been experiencing recently so expect to see more of his work here in the future.
An automatic and unquestioned nostrum
Currently purveyed from page and stage and rostrum
Is that all true verse, diminutive or discursive
Is subversive.
Oh never ask subversive of what!
It is not only the Armani Anarchist who will then berate you as a sans-culotte;
Nor the Gucci Guerilla alone, nor soley the Alternative
Millionaire,
But everyone from everywhere.
On no account enquire how it subverts or with what degrees of success;
You will then be deemed a dinosaur and an undesirable denizen of Loch Ness.
Oh hear the binding law from which there is no severance:
About all things shalt thou be
Irreverent, except
Irreverence:
A paradoxical orthodoxy upon the air dispersive --
And I think I may have said something mildly subversive.
Taken from Hoping It Might Be So: Poems 1974-2000, a long collection that "brings together all of Kit Wright’s previous collections for adults as well as three dozen new poems". This is one of those new poems, first published in 2000. Hoping It Might Be So is currently in print from Faber Finds (a Faber & Faber imprint, of course).
Thursday, 30 April 2009
TV
Mad Men
2x11 The Jet Set
Shocking surprises and windy twists -- hurrah! Mad Men certainly seems to be building up to a big finale.
Have also realised that the lead character has an amusing name for us British viewers: he goes by the name Don Draper, though his secretive real name is Dick Whitman -- making him Dick/Don. Which sounds a bit like Dick & Dom. Hilarity ensues, I assure you.
The Mentalist
1x06 Red-Handed
This episode manages to both avoid Most Recognisable Guest Star Syndrome and be accurate to real theories, applications and abilities of mentalism (as does the rest of the series). Brilliant.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
2x11 The Jet Set
Shocking surprises and windy twists -- hurrah! Mad Men certainly seems to be building up to a big finale.
Have also realised that the lead character has an amusing name for us British viewers: he goes by the name Don Draper, though his secretive real name is Dick Whitman -- making him Dick/Don. Which sounds a bit like Dick & Dom. Hilarity ensues, I assure you.
The Mentalist
1x06 Red-Handed
This episode manages to both avoid Most Recognisable Guest Star Syndrome and be accurate to real theories, applications and abilities of mentalism (as does the rest of the series). Brilliant.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Poetry
Hoping It Might Be So: Poems 1974-2000 by Kit Wright
Bump-Starting the Hearse (1984) (pages 97-119)
Initially, my favourite section of this volume. Slightly more variable as it continues, but generally more consistent.
Bump-Starting the Hearse (1984) (pages 97-119)
Initially, my favourite section of this volume. Slightly more variable as it continues, but generally more consistent.
Articles
8 Awesome Cases of Internet Vigilantism by Ian Fortey
(from CRACKED.com)
True stories of when the Internet does good.
If Everything Was Made by Microsoft by CRACKED Readers
(from CRACKED.com)
Some Photoshopped funniness for today. Naturally some are more bemusing than amusing, but others are very good. An easy target, maybe, but a funny one.
The Problem With 3-D by Daniel Engber
(from Slate)
Excellent article about why 3D films might not take off this time either.
Review of State of Play by gproject
(from Slate Scrawl)
A good review of this week's number 1 film at the UK box office, coming at it from the perspective of a newcomer -- unlike mine. (Incidentally: yes, this review does mention me; no, that's not the only reason I'm mentioning it.)
(from CRACKED.com)
True stories of when the Internet does good.
If Everything Was Made by Microsoft by CRACKED Readers
(from CRACKED.com)
Some Photoshopped funniness for today. Naturally some are more bemusing than amusing, but others are very good. An easy target, maybe, but a funny one.
The Problem With 3-D by Daniel Engber
(from Slate)
Excellent article about why 3D films might not take off this time either.
Review of State of Play by gproject
(from Slate Scrawl)
A good review of this week's number 1 film at the UK box office, coming at it from the perspective of a newcomer -- unlike mine. (Incidentally: yes, this review does mention me; no, that's not the only reason I'm mentioning it.)
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