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.]
Thursday, 17 September 2009
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.
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