BB10 'no housemates' twist revealed by Alex Fletcher
(from Digital Spy)
Don't worry, I'm not about to start covering Big Brother, but this piece is notable for its terribly misleading headline, which makes things sound a lot more intriguing than they actually are.
Kung Fu star Carradine found dead
(from BBC News)
"Kill Bill and Kung Fu star David Carradine has been found dead in a Bangkok hotel room."
Sad, unexpected news. Some places are reporting this as a suspected suicide, but if you read the details it really doesn't sound like one.
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
TV
Primeval
3x09 Episode 9
In which Surprise Future Lady turns up and starts spouting cliches like there's no tomorrow. Ironically. Then there's the uncomfortable marriage of a light-hearted plot (for the first half of the episode) and a Dark And Serious one (for the second), which they keep trying to pull off and never works. And to top it off, a cheesy final shot of the Team Walking Purposefully to the leader's Motivating Intention Speech while the Dramatic Purposeful Motivating Music sores. Oh dear.
In summary: Primeval's writing really does stink this series.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.
Robin Hood
3x09 A Dangerous Deal
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x09 Episode 9
In which Surprise Future Lady turns up and starts spouting cliches like there's no tomorrow. Ironically. Then there's the uncomfortable marriage of a light-hearted plot (for the first half of the episode) and a Dark And Serious one (for the second), which they keep trying to pull off and never works. And to top it off, a cheesy final shot of the Team Walking Purposefully to the leader's Motivating Intention Speech while the Dramatic Purposeful Motivating Music sores. Oh dear.
In summary: Primeval's writing really does stink this series.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.
Robin Hood
3x09 A Dangerous Deal
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Anthony Head: The Buffy spinoff Ripper may still be possible by
(from Sci Fi Wire)
"May" being the operative word. It's a case of "believe it when you see it" -- which I sincerely hope we do.
Outpost Gallifrey & the Doctor Who Forum To Close July 31 by Shaun Lyon
(from Outpost Gallifrey)
Something of a surprise, the closing of the biggest/most popular Doctor Who site/forum. Several years ago the site's owner & creator, Shaun Lyon, had enough of running the place and half handed it on to new people. That made sense -- fair enough if you want to move on, let new people keep it alive -- but this move doesn't, really, which is why it's a surprise. But hey, look, he still wants you to come to his conventions!
(from Sci Fi Wire)
"May" being the operative word. It's a case of "believe it when you see it" -- which I sincerely hope we do.
Outpost Gallifrey & the Doctor Who Forum To Close July 31 by Shaun Lyon
(from Outpost Gallifrey)
Something of a surprise, the closing of the biggest/most popular Doctor Who site/forum. Several years ago the site's owner & creator, Shaun Lyon, had enough of running the place and half handed it on to new people. That made sense -- fair enough if you want to move on, let new people keep it alive -- but this move doesn't, really, which is why it's a surprise. But hey, look, he still wants you to come to his conventions!
Games
Sam & Max: Season One
Episode 1: Culture Shock
I honestly can't remember the last time I played a computer game that wasn't something like Tetris or Solitaire. But I used to love adventure games and I've had this for a while, and with a new Monkey Island (always my favourite series) on its way next month, it's time to get back into the habit. Plus, as I have a Mac these days, I needed to get Windows running on here so I can play the darned thing. And I've managed it, though it's depressingly slow.
As for the game itself, it's a lot of fun -- which bodes well for the new Monkey Island as these are the guys behind that too. I really like this model of gaming -- a series of standalone chapters/episodes released over five or six months -- because it allows the more casual player to dip in and out, or effectively pay in installments, as well as allowing for a variety of stories to be told without the game seeming disjointed. Also, one of the reasons it works here is because each episode is a decent length -- at least, if you go round looking at everything and exploring every conversation path, which I always do because of all the good lines you can find tucked away in them. Certainly, I didn't complete this chapter in one sitting, and assuming they're all the same length that means a decent full-game-length amount of playability across all six chapters.
A success, then, which means I'm even more excited for Tales of Monkey Island...
Episode 1: Culture Shock
I honestly can't remember the last time I played a computer game that wasn't something like Tetris or Solitaire. But I used to love adventure games and I've had this for a while, and with a new Monkey Island (always my favourite series) on its way next month, it's time to get back into the habit. Plus, as I have a Mac these days, I needed to get Windows running on here so I can play the darned thing. And I've managed it, though it's depressingly slow.
As for the game itself, it's a lot of fun -- which bodes well for the new Monkey Island as these are the guys behind that too. I really like this model of gaming -- a series of standalone chapters/episodes released over five or six months -- because it allows the more casual player to dip in and out, or effectively pay in installments, as well as allowing for a variety of stories to be told without the game seeming disjointed. Also, one of the reasons it works here is because each episode is a decent length -- at least, if you go round looking at everything and exploring every conversation path, which I always do because of all the good lines you can find tucked away in them. Certainly, I didn't complete this chapter in one sitting, and assuming they're all the same length that means a decent full-game-length amount of playability across all six chapters.
A success, then, which means I'm even more excited for Tales of Monkey Island...
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
TV
The Wire
2x12 Port in a Storm [season finale]
So, that was that. Nice to see a clear indication of where the next season will be going. Only two-and-a-half weeks 'til it begins on BBC Two...
2x12 Port in a Storm [season finale]
So, that was that. Nice to see a clear indication of where the next season will be going. Only two-and-a-half weeks 'til it begins on BBC Two...
Articles
Review of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Blu-ray by James Gray
(from DVD Times)
Informative review of the best (so I'm told) Star Trek film, recently released on Blu-ray.
Review of Up by Clydefro Jones
(from DVD Times)
Gasp in shock and horror as someone writes a review that criticises Pixar! While I don't wholly agree, he does have a point.
Watchmen (R2/UK BD) in July by Dave Foster
(from DVD Times)
An announcement (hurrah!), but a confusing one (boo!)
(from DVD Times)
Informative review of the best (so I'm told) Star Trek film, recently released on Blu-ray.
Review of Up by Clydefro Jones
(from DVD Times)
Gasp in shock and horror as someone writes a review that criticises Pixar! While I don't wholly agree, he does have a point.
Watchmen (R2/UK BD) in July by Dave Foster
(from DVD Times)
An announcement (hurrah!), but a confusing one (boo!)
new review at 100 Films
Watchmen (2009)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 18 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, plus two shorts. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
With the dubiously-featured UK DVD and Blu-ray releases just announced, it seems about time to add a few of my thoughts to the already-overflowing mix. In doing this I find it impossible to fully divorce myself from the fact that I’m a fan of the book, so can only really view this adaptation from that perspective... But even as a fan, my opinions are not as predetermined as some might think.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 18 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, plus two shorts. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Monday, 1 June 2009
TV
Ashes to Ashes
2x07 Episode Seven
Brilliant episode. A surprising twist, perfectly built across the whole series, and a great performance from Marshall Lancaster, the unsung gem of both Ashes and Life on Mars.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Graham Norton Show
5x12 (28/5/09 edition, uncut repeat) [season finale]
Goodbye for now, Graham. You will be missed.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x07 Episode Seven
Brilliant episode. A surprising twist, perfectly built across the whole series, and a great performance from Marshall Lancaster, the unsung gem of both Ashes and Life on Mars.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Graham Norton Show
5x12 (28/5/09 edition, uncut repeat) [season finale]
Goodbye for now, Graham. You will be missed.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
DVD Extras
Superman II: Restoring the Vision
(from Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut)
How they recreated Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, almost 30 years after it was shot. It's truly amazing how much effort was required to do this.
Resurrecting Jor-El
(from Superman Returns)
Similarly, how they created a new Marlon Brando performance for Superman Returns, using footage shot for Superman and Superman II back in the late '70s.
(from Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut)
How they recreated Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, almost 30 years after it was shot. It's truly amazing how much effort was required to do this.
Resurrecting Jor-El
(from Superman Returns)
Similarly, how they created a new Marlon Brando performance for Superman Returns, using footage shot for Superman and Superman II back in the late '70s.
Articles
Back To Earth DVD Cover Art
and
Documenting the Documentaries
and
Content Confirmed
(from reddwarf.co.uk)
Latest updates on the forthcoming Red Dwarf: Back to Earth DVD. Love that screen-faithful packaging. The addition of Making Of: Part Two is also great news as the first was a tad lacking.
Tony Scott Confirms Carl Rinsch is Directing New Alien Movie. And it’s a PREQUEL! by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub
(from Collider.com)
Both exciting and very... suspicious...
And don't miss the announcements of new Monkey Island games here.
and
Documenting the Documentaries
and
Content Confirmed
(from reddwarf.co.uk)
Latest updates on the forthcoming Red Dwarf: Back to Earth DVD. Love that screen-faithful packaging. The addition of Making Of: Part Two is also great news as the first was a tad lacking.
Tony Scott Confirms Carl Rinsch is Directing New Alien Movie. And it’s a PREQUEL! by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub
(from Collider.com)
Both exciting and very... suspicious...
And don't miss the announcements of new Monkey Island games here.
Monkey Island is back!
I never thought I'd see the day, but it's been reported today that LucasArts' Monkey Island series of games is to return. Hooray! I've grown up playing those games and adored every last one, so this has me over the moon. I literally jumped for joy.
Anyway, here are some of the announcements & that..
Monkey Island is BACK, baby! by Emily
(from the Telltale Blog)
So, the new game -- or games, depending on your perspective -- is being developed by Telltale, who make various other game-series like Sam & Max and Wallace & Gromit (maybe the should've rebranded it Guybrush & Elaine? No?) Here's their announcement, with plentiful details.
Stuff and Things and Monkey Island by Ron Gilbert
(from Grumpy Gamer)
The games' original creator on the latest news. A long but fascinating read.
You may have noticed that, in addition to the new game, they've remade the original. Not sold on the new graphic style, though I'll definitely be getting my hands on it. The official site -- with art, videos, that kinda thing is...
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition Official Site
aka www.MonkeyIslandSpecialEdition.com. Nice name. Includes a great behind-the-scenes video.
And to round things off, the full official site for the new game...
Tales of Monkey Island Official Site
Ooh, I can't wait!
Anyway, here are some of the announcements & that..
Monkey Island is BACK, baby! by Emily
(from the Telltale Blog)
So, the new game -- or games, depending on your perspective -- is being developed by Telltale, who make various other game-series like Sam & Max and Wallace & Gromit (maybe the should've rebranded it Guybrush & Elaine? No?) Here's their announcement, with plentiful details.
Stuff and Things and Monkey Island by Ron Gilbert
(from Grumpy Gamer)
The games' original creator on the latest news. A long but fascinating read.
You may have noticed that, in addition to the new game, they've remade the original. Not sold on the new graphic style, though I'll definitely be getting my hands on it. The official site -- with art, videos, that kinda thing is...
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition Official Site
aka www.MonkeyIslandSpecialEdition.com. Nice name. Includes a great behind-the-scenes video.
And to round things off, the full official site for the new game...
Tales of Monkey Island Official Site
Ooh, I can't wait!
new review at 100 Films
La Antena (2007)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 19 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, plus two shorts. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
La Antena could sit comfortably alongside ‘real’ silent films to the extent that the uninitiated might reasonably be fooled into believing it was one. In some respects this is neither here nor there, though it will undoubtedly put some viewers off. For those with a more open mind or who are fans of silent movies, however, it’s a joy.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 19 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, plus two shorts. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
TV
Have I Got News For You
37x06 (28/5/09 edition; uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Roland Garros 2009
Huge shocks as clay court God Rafael Nadal, never defeated at the French Open, goes out in the 23rd seed in only the fourth round. You may've seen this all over twitter.
The Wire
2x11 Bad Dreams
The penultimate episode, and this variable season is nearly done. Good to see some Omar action at last. I hear season three is widely held to be the best of the bunch, so looking forward to that one (whenever it begins).
37x06 (28/5/09 edition; uncut repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Roland Garros 2009
Huge shocks as clay court God Rafael Nadal, never defeated at the French Open, goes out in the 23rd seed in only the fourth round. You may've seen this all over twitter.
The Wire
2x11 Bad Dreams
The penultimate episode, and this variable season is nearly done. Good to see some Omar action at last. I hear season three is widely held to be the best of the bunch, so looking forward to that one (whenever it begins).
Saturday, 30 May 2009
TV
Ashes to Ashes
2x06 Episode Six
Gene Hunt + nasty lone shark + car crusher = brilliant.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Robin Hood
3x08 The King is Dead, Long Live the King...
Another fantastic episode thanks to Toby Stephens' Prince John, who is beyond brilliant, and an epic confrontation in an abbey. The schoolboy squabbling of Robin's gang and a couple of niggling plot holes do hold the show back, but it's nothing like as weak as Primeval has been recently. That said, with Prince John leaving -- and half the cast also off at the end of this series -- things don't look that rosy.
(Yes, I'm a week behind.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x06 Episode Six
Gene Hunt + nasty lone shark + car crusher = brilliant.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Robin Hood
3x08 The King is Dead, Long Live the King...
Another fantastic episode thanks to Toby Stephens' Prince John, who is beyond brilliant, and an epic confrontation in an abbey. The schoolboy squabbling of Robin's gang and a couple of niggling plot holes do hold the show back, but it's nothing like as weak as Primeval has been recently. That said, with Prince John leaving -- and half the cast also off at the end of this series -- things don't look that rosy.
(Yes, I'm a week behind.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Le Mépris Trailer
As found on the Criterion DVD (and possibly other releases, I don't know. A bit like a Hitchcock trailer, it's an entertaining work in its own right. If only they still made 'em like this.
Toy Story 3 Trailer
Brief and unrevealing, but also funny and excitement-building. Can't wait.
As found on the Criterion DVD (and possibly other releases, I don't know. A bit like a Hitchcock trailer, it's an entertaining work in its own right. If only they still made 'em like this.
Toy Story 3 Trailer
Brief and unrevealing, but also funny and excitement-building. Can't wait.
new review at 100 Films
Commentary! The Musical (2008)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 18 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, plus two shorts. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Focuses its energy on spoofing commentary tracks, DVD extras, and the American film and TV industry in general... It’s almost all incredibly funny and it moves at a rate of knots, meaning it rewards multiple listens to pick up every gag... With its well-targeted thematically-appropriate comedy and plentiful gags, it’s pure delight for fans of DVDs
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 18 new films in the review pipeline at 100 Films, plus two shorts. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 29 May 2009
TV
Boy Meets Girl
Part 4 (of 4)
A moderately satisfying conclusion.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Primeval
3x08 Episode 8
There comes a point in every episode of Primeval these days where, however hard you're trying to take it seriously, you just have to give in and either let the poor writing and ludicrous plotting wash over you or start laughing at its absurdity. I've always been quite critical of Primeval, but increasingly this batch of episodes is making me long for the good old days of the first series.
Meanwhile, this episode, Annoying Brother finally gets in some proper trouble, though disappointingly survives. On the bright side this is his final episode... though the Annoying Government Baddies are back to replace him. It's like a relay race of irritation.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Part 4 (of 4)
A moderately satisfying conclusion.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Primeval
3x08 Episode 8
There comes a point in every episode of Primeval these days where, however hard you're trying to take it seriously, you just have to give in and either let the poor writing and ludicrous plotting wash over you or start laughing at its absurdity. I've always been quite critical of Primeval, but increasingly this batch of episodes is making me long for the good old days of the first series.
Meanwhile, this episode, Annoying Brother finally gets in some proper trouble, though disappointingly survives. On the bright side this is his final episode... though the Annoying Government Baddies are back to replace him. It's like a relay race of irritation.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
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