The Weekly Review: 26/08/2012

A weekly round-up of what I have been watching, listening to and discussing. Rather than just posts about film, this is a bit more all-encompassing as I think my interest in cinema and art crosses over and between a variety of sources...

Highlight of the Week

 

I write this post in the middle of the Peak District, in a rented house, with friends. No sirens from the high street. No shouting and talking from the restaurant next-door. Absolute peace and quiet. Visited some caves and a bird sanctuary. There is something suprisingly harsh when a huge bird flies ... only to hit netting and land again. Poor herons. Today I visited Chatsworth House - a building used as a location for Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice, The Duchess and The Wolfman. I hoped it was the setting for Wayne Manor in Batman Begins, but alas, it is not. That accolade goes to Mentore Towers in Buckinghamshire.

 

DVD's/Blu-Rays/Cinema:

 

The Skin I Live In: Still remains my favourite film of 2011. I can see why it is a strange choice mind you - it is not as epic or grand as many films. It doesn't have the scale of War Horse or the gritty-but-comedic uniqueness of Attack the Block. It is a very fun Hitchcock-like tale, with hints of torture-porn, which festers in your mind after the film. So many things to talk about...

 

The Expendables 2: Joint-editor of Man, I Love Films Dylan was shocked that I loved this film. Apparently this is not the type of film I like. Despite analysis of every Terminator film, every Rocky film and an appreciation (not a whole-hearted support) of the first film. I think the film manages to balance the action and comedy perfectly. I now want another one - with a team of 'new' action stars (Taylor Lautner, Sam Worthington, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner - led by Matt Damon or Colin Farrell) or a team of female action stars (Kate Beckinsale, Milla Jovovich, Jennifer Lawrence, Noomi Rapace - led by Linda Hamilton or Sigourney Weaver) and they fight against Liam Neeson and Channing Tatum (as a henchman).

 

Bamboozled: This is an incredible film and has surely started a Spike Lee season for me. The final montage had me in pieces. Themes about money - and the need for money in society. The importance of history - and respecting the history. A brilliant film.

 

Music/Podcasts:

 

The Darkness: Vastly underrated band. I loved the second album - and indeed, it achieved a 4/5 rating within Q magazine at the time. But it bombed royally and the band fell apart. They have just released a third album, Hot Cakes, and its great. If only the second album achieved more listeners - it really is fantastic.

 

Oasis: I relistened to Heathen Chemisty. Again, a vastly underrated album. I think 'She is Love' is potentially one of my Top 5 Oasis songs ever.

 

The Matineecast: Caught up with an episode whereby Ryan spoke to Corey Atad. Some great discussion about the Sight and Sound Top 10 poll. Should Vertigo be in the top spot? Is Citizen Kane 'that' good? Make sure you tune in!

 

TV/Theatre/Art Galleries/Books/Misc:

 

'Film and Philosophy: Taking Movies Seriously' by Daniel Shaw: I had to give up on reading the biography of Chaplin. I hate that. But now I'm reading a book that fully supports my type of viewing and analysis of cinema. The idea that films, unlike theatre, imitate the mind more accurately (You can flashback when you think about something, or you can focus on something important in your mind - both of which are techniques cinema uses) whilst other filmmakers believe that cinema is about accurately representing reality. So, tension can be depicting by - as a viewer - waiting for something to happen on-screen, rather than using filmmaking techniques to 'create' tension. An example Shaw refers to is Nanook of the North whereby we sit and wait for an eskimo to catch a fish - and feel equally satisfied when, after waiting a long period with him, he catches a fish. I'm paraphrasing - suffice to say, I'm enjoying the book.

The [Slightly Late] Weekly Review: 13/08/2012

A [slightly late] weekly round-up of what I have been watching, listening to and discussing. Rather than just posts about film, this is a bit more all-encompassing as I think my interest in cinema and art crosses over and between a variety of sources...

A little late because, again, it seems that a Summer Holiday becomes much more busier when you are recently engaged. Many-a-trip to see family and a great time with friends!

Highlight of the Week

Tom & Gem's Wedding: Saturday saw me as an usher to a best friend. A fantastic day with a fantastic couple. Funnily enough, the friend briefly became a blogger - and still has a site active. A strong interest in silent cinema and Ozu see's him purchase some incredible films that I only wish I could watch myself. Ironically, his interest in these films made for the perfect run-of-jokes for his Best Man, shocking everyone with his ownership of the exploitation 1988 Italian-Horror classic Ratman

DVD's/Blu-Rays/Cinema:

Funny Games: Sarah became fascinating by Michael Haneke after we watched The Story of Film, and consequently recieved a Haneke boxset for her birthday. I have only seen White Ribbon myself, so hopefully this present for Sarah should rectify this as we watch his back-catalogue together. Suffice to say, Funny Games is brilliant. And I completely "get" the reasons behind a US remake.

Cool Hand Luke: My belief that Inception is a Pro-Atheist work of cinema can join the ranks of other Pro-Atheist cinema that includes Cool Hand Luke. What other films are Pro-Atheism (opposed to Anti-Religion ... because that's easy to do)

The Bourne Legacy: My god. What an awful film. It is not the fauly of Jeremy Renner of Rachel Weisz. The buck purely stops with Tony Gilroy who wrote the script and directed the film. Bad pacing and, in many cases, completely over-complicating the matter. I think the trick that Doug Liman and Paul Greengrass pulled was making a very simple story seem complex. The Bourne Legacy is over-complicated and yet could've been much more easier to digest.

Music/Podcasts:

/Film: Caught up on a couple. Great discussion on the Cloud Atlas 5-minute epic trailer. I'm with Dave and Adam: Could be an epic-mess. It clearly wants to be incredibly profound - the question is whether it can effectively reach those heights. I think people who hate The Fountain can relate to that outcome. The episode on The Dark Knight Rises whereby they assessed the feedback had one letter summarising the film in the exact manner I did recently. The biggest complaint is "Why don't we see more of Gotham under Banes' rule". My answer is what would need to be removed to make that happen. It's already 2hours 40mins long. 20-mins showing Gotham-ites losing it, might've just been too much.

David Guetta: Was close to seeing him in Ibiza but never did. He really does manage to capture the right beat that you crave a dance too.

Hot Chip: Great to work out too and a damn good album. Much appreciated Alistair and Richard for constantly reminding me how good these musicians are.

Frankly, My Dear/The LAMBcast: Discussions on The Dark Knight Rises seemed to raise the same ol' argument about minor issues - How did Batman survive the explosion? How did he get back to the city? How did he survive his back being broken? Rapper Scott argues the impossibility that you can't survive a back-break using a rope. Seriously guys! It is a Batman film, the themes are consistent. I wouldn't appreciate Nolan showing us the long, boring journey Bruce Wayne made to get back to the fictional Gotham (for all we know, the prison is on the outskirts). I wouldn't appreciate Nolan developing some convuluted story whereby a spinal-specialist "happened" to be sharing his cell. This is the very definition of nit-picking I'm afraid.

TV/Theatre/Art Galleries/Books/Misc:

Olympics 2012: Sarah and I were lucky enough to watch the Taekwondo, which, Team GB won with Jade Jones. I find it fascinating how much column-inches is given to Pendleton, Ennis and Mo Farah. They are great and well-deserved winners. I'm more impressed with the sporting stars who weren't funded as well - but still came out on top.

The Bodysculpting Bible For Men by James Villepigue and Hugo Rivera: No need to explain. I have a very long road ahead of me...

The Weekly Review: 15/07/2012

A weekly round-up of what I have been watching, listening to and discussing. Rather than just posts about film, this is a bit more all-encompassing as I think my interest in cinema and art crosses over and between a variety of sources...

A day late! Well, it will get worse as (unless I am exceptionally organised) I doubt there will be one next week as I shall be sunning it up in Ibiza. Happy days indeed. Bring on the holidays!

Highlight of the Week

Spending the weekend on a canal boat couldn't have been better. Simply outstretched on the top of a boat gently sailing through the Staffordshire countryside and stopping off for a Guinness and exceptionally cheap beer (good ol' non-London prices...) was just what I needed. Hats off to Tom-o to getting married!

DVD's/Blu-Rays/Cinema

A Star Is Born: Since I watched a documentary on Judy Garland (A great special feature on The Wizard of Oz DVD), I have wanted to see this film. James Mason has become my new favourite actor - yet I have only seen him in this and North by Northwest. A must-watch as it is a pessimistic version of the story that is preented in The Artist. But without the silent-to-sound era context.

Batman Begins: Rewatching in preparation for The Dark Knight Rises. Anyone who hasn't, needs to check out my writing on the film on either this site or Man I Love Films. It proves how skilled a filmmaker Christopher Nolan is.

The Dark Knight: Guess what this week's 'Modern Classic' is discussed in detail...

Music/Podcasts

Reel Insight: Managed to catch up on the Michael Fassbender episode. I'm (a) shocked that the ladies disliked Hunger and (b) love the slick-ness of the show. I think the 10-film limit is great as it ensures a concise and quick pace to the show. Especially as, if you haven't seen the film, its not a problem. Even the segments are effective and interesting. The fact that the next one is Jimmy Stewart ... woo hoo!

Graceland: Paul Simon's seminal album. I am desperate to watch the London Sundance Opening film, Under African Skies, as it details the huge controversy that surrounded its release. But, having said that, I would also strongly recommend the follo-wup album, The Rhythm of the Saints. Flawless albums.

Now Playing: Having covered the four Spiderman films, they are just about to get back into the Batman series. They spent almost an entire year discussing every Marvel film available and it culminating in a scathing attack on The Amazing Spiderman. I think the Raimi comparison is neccessary but unfair - but the boys really argued their point well as to how problematic the film is. But, I think it was Stu, who noted that it will be worth giving Andrew Garfield one more chance. I couldn't agree more.

TV/Theatre/Art Galleries/Books/Misc

The new Empire, Sight & Sound and Little White Lies arrived. Always a good time of the month. Sight and Sound even has many pages discussing Christopher Nolan's back catalogue alongside lots of writing about Hitchcock. A great month of reading material. Even more importantly, Nick James writes about how this is the 'last edition' of the current version of the magazine. Its exciting - what chasnges await us next month. One thing though, is the subscribers recieve access to the full digital archive. Fantastic!

The Weekly Review: 08/07/2012

A weekly round-up of what I have been watching, listening to and discussing. Rather than just posts about film, this is a bit more all-encompassing as I think my interest in cinema and art crosses over and between a variety of sources...

I watched very few films last week. But this week, I watched a bunch. It was also my birthday yesterday so I recieved great gifts including The Artist, Hugo and Le-Donk and Scor-Zay-Zee. They will be watched I hope, within the week. We shall see...

Highlight of the Week

Andy Murray: I'll be brief. I didn't think he would do this. In fact, when he was playing Baghdatis, I dind't think he'd beat him. But I am completely wrong. I hope he goes all the way. As I understand, he won the first set in the final (which is on as I write this) - the first time he has ever won a set in a Grand Slam Final. "C'mon Murray!"

DVD's/Blu-Rays/Cinema

Kes: For the Classic Columb, and now it puts me in a position to watch more Ken Loach. Good times.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Fincher's film.I'd never seen it before and yeah, it's fine. I think a thriller story can only do so much and, as I have watched the Swedish version, the story is the same anyway. Yes its better but just because its more stylish due to a huge budget.

The Great Train Robbery: Never knew this was available on YouTube. Indeed, there are many, many films, available free on YouTube. Check out my 1001 Page to see how many are available.

The Amazing Spider-Man: Its not brilliant, because we have seen it before, but it has set up the potential for a better franchise and, now they have jumped this hurdle, I reckon the next film will be better than all of Raimi's.

The Fox and the Hound: A new Disney Blu-Ray which looks incredible, again, in Hi-Def. And, I think the only purpose for 'Vixy', the love-interest for Todd, is to establish that the animals are not gay.

The Artist: A present from Sarah. Still a brilliant film which I wish I could show the kids at my school. Having said that, there is 20min chunk which drags a little. As soon as Peppy is famous it loses a bit of pace. But definately deserving of Best Picture.

Music/Podcasts

Shame Soundtrack: I blame Stevee from Cinematic Paradox for this. She had it on her page as a great soundtrack and, after a listen, I bought two tracks from the album. It is a fantastic score.

Hannibal Soundtrack: Still brilliant.

The Hollywood Gauntlet: Well, I have finished listening and they are both great listens. I need to watch more films from 1982 and I loved the comparison and discussion of both The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo films, with further scope about the book itself. A good start ... what's next?

Demented Podcast: I always enjoy Steve Honeywell (from 1001plus) on the LAMBcast so I downloaded a couple of episodes of the podcast and listened to an episode discussing my favourite film of 2011, The Skin I Live In and Cronenbergs Dead Ringers (a film I watched for a podcast with Ryan McNeil last year). I shall ensure I write a more detailed, spoiler-filled comment on the relevant website, but their discussion of The Skin I Lived In missed out great discussion about gender and sexuality. What defines masculinity? what defines femininity? What about if you are transgender? What would you do if you were? Should you kill yourself over such a "horror"? These are what I believe the film is about - and it is what makes the film so brilliant!

TV/Theatre/Art Galleries/Books/Misc

I won't mention The Simpsons again. But Sarah recieved a gift of the two series of Sherlock so I believe that will be viewed very soon. Suffice to say, the TV has been filled with tennis this week.

The Weekly Review: 17/06/2012

A weekly round-up of what I have been watching, listening to and discussing. Rather than just posts about film, this is a bit more all-encompassing as I think my interest in cinema and art crosses over and between a variety of sources...

Slowly getting used-to waking at 6am again. Always a tough get-up, but I did manage to watch lots of good films this week. Well, not 'good' maybe, but films ...

Highlight of the Week

Animal Kingdom: A close friend has just moved to London and as a filmmaker himself, I look forward to lots of film-watching, filmmaking and conversations about what Jurassic Park 4 could possibly be about. We had a film-night during the week, watching Animal Kingdom - a film he had not seen before, whilst I had not seen it for at least a year - despite buying it on Blu-Ray six-months ago. It is still fascinating, and a favourite film of 2011, but I can appreciate how if you didn't like the passive, detached lead character Joshua (James Frecheville), then it would be a tough watch. The kisses from 'Mum' (Jacki Weaver) is also so uncomfortable to watch.

DVD's/Blu-Rays/Cinema

Batman Returns - The best of the four-film anthology between 1989 and 1997. Tim Burton takes his gloves off and goes completely gothic with his interpretation.

Batman Forever - A little bit too nuts I'm afraid and Tommy Lee Jones seems uncomfortable whilst Jim Carrey goes OTT. Val Kilmer just seems bored whilst Nicole Kidman acts out a role that simply seems to be ... offensive.

Batman and Robin - It is alot of fun watching this. And I would take the ridiculous of Arnie's 'Mr Freeze' anyday over Two-Face in Batman Forever. Ume Thurman's role is simply tragic - she seems to be giving it her all, but it just doesn't work. George Clooney is just out-of-place in this role whilst I can recall why I fancied Alicia Silverstone when I was younger.

Animal Kingdom - See Above

Music/Podcasts

Now Playing Podcast - I have really got into this podcast ever since Ol' Shep Burman recommended it to me after my Rocky-writing on Man I Love Films. At least all the pain of watching Batman and Robin was worth it when I could laugh along with Arnie, Stu and Jakob discussing the film. I do not condone the recommendation of Batman Forever, but I completely agree with the single-recommendation of Batman and Robin. So bad, it is funny.

Slash Film - Adam Quigley didn't like Prometheus, Why am I not suprised.

The Matineecast - Only just started this podcast-listen, so I haven't heard the discussion on Prometheus (Blame the drilling near London Bridge on my commute) but to think that Ryan is now at a stage whereby 'Know Your Enemy' has three rounds of questions simply shows how well he has done. I think what I love about these questions is that you inevitably ask yourself the same questions when you listen - and its a tough one to answer. I also like how Ryan holds the guest accountable for not-watching the film 'classic' they hadn't seen in their first round of questions. It could easily go: "Have you watched Conan the Barbarian yet?"/ "No"/"Well then how can you call yourself a film fan?" [guest feels suitably embarressed and shamed]

TV/Theatre/Art Galleries/Books/Misc

The Simpsons - I have completely stalled on my watching. but it seems I may be able to finished Season 7 within the hour. Its a tough thing to consider - am I getting behind because the series is getting weaker or is it because, since Christmas, I have watched every episode since Season One?

Disney War by James B. Stewart - I started reading this when we visited Zagreb and put it down on return. About the political struggles within the company under the leadership of Michael Eisner. I've only just got into it so... expect it to reappear next week...

Tate Modern - I revisited (kerrching on the membership!) the Damien Hirst exhibition with Sarah. Interesting fact is how an art-piece named A Thousand Years (1991) shows a decapitated cows-head amongst desperate flies, dying in an electrocutor. We were told that the cows-head is replaced by a different head each week. But without maggots emerging (something which was famously criticised about the original piece), there is question hanging over whether it is an actual cows-head at all. I would assume it is not - but clearly, the ambiguity of this set-up means that we are supposed to believe it is a real head.

The Weekly Review: 10/06/2012

A weekly round-up of what I have been watching, listening to and discussing. Rather than just posts about film, this is a bit more all-encompassing as I think my interest in cinema and art crosses over and between a variety of sources...

I have been on holiday for the last week so I have been lucky enough to watch lots of films, go to art galleries, meet up with friends and family and generally relax after a very busy 6-weeks. I was also paid which is always a plus... so be prepared for lots of viewing of The Jason Bourne films, the Jurassic park films and original Batman films. I can't wait!

Highlight of the Week

Tate Modern: Damien Hirst: I started a membership to the Tate art galleries in London. I have meant to do this for a long time, but always held back on the basis that (a) I can normally go with a friend to the galleries on their membership and (b) there are plenty of galleries to visit in London. But I caved because I haven't been in a long time and, despite wanting to go to multiple exhibitions recently, I couldn't go because I always felt that £15 to go to an exhibition is a little bit too much. Anyway, I hope to write a bigger post for TQS about the Damien Hirst exhibition because I truly loved it - but in the meantime, I will simply ask you to look at a skull made outnof diamonds. Just stunning to look at really.

DVD's/Blu-Rays/Cinema

Rock Of Ages - Review coming up on Flickering Myth soon ...

Moonrise Kingdom - If you like Wes Anderson, you'll like this. Also, strangely, the two kids in the film look a little too similar to some friends of mine.

Prometheus - Review is already up - it really is fantastic and anyone who disagrees can watch Avatar.

The Dictator - Sacha Baron Cohen needs to stick to what he does best because, so far, he has only made one good film: Borat.

Batman - Unimpressed. Not as good as everyone made it out to be. Indeed, this is further explored with a fellow blogger in the near future...

Music/Podcasts

Coldplay - Last Monday I watched Coldplay live at the Emirates - absolutely brilliant. I have been humming and singing songs from 'Mylo Xyloto' loads ... but, when they played 'Violet Hill' I remember how good that song is too.

Paul Simon - With 25 years celebrating the release of 'Graceland', Paul Simon has re-released the album and a documentary called Under African Skies is now available. I really want to see the documentary and yet, foolishly, I downloaded the album from itunes, and its not included on the download. Only on the CD/DVD pack in stores.

TV/Theatre/Art Galleries/Books/Misc

Flowers Gallery: Edward Burtynsky & Julie Cockburn - In passing, I visited the gallery with my brother and it was fascinating. Burtynsky has taken photographs of landscapes that almost look like paintings. Its only when you look at the details do you realise the brush strokes are, in fact, tyre-tracks. Cockburn on the other hand has portraits which, again, look like they have been painted upon but, on closer inspiection, the paint-marks are actually sewn-in. A great use of materials.

Roger Ebert: The Great Movies III - I said I would start a new book and I have. Already some facsinating insights into Groundhog Day and Blade Runner and an interesting, negative-take, on The Godfather Part II. As a film-blogger, its important to read as much critic-writing as possible. And there is no finer place to look than Eberts writings.

The Weekly Review: 27/05/2012

A weekly round-up of what I have been watching, listening to and discussing. Inspired by Ryan's 'Days of the Week' posts, this is a bit more all-encompassing as I think my interest in cinema and art crosses over and between a variety of sources...

A very busy week, marking all the GCSE art work. Then in the later stages, finishing off Spiderman films, beginning the Men In Black films (for The Prepared Podcasts) and I have finished huge tasks: Completed my viewing of the 15-hour documentary of The Story of Film and finished reading the epic Christopher Finch classic: The Art of Walt Disney. Good times

Highlight of the Week:

The Art of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms and Beyond - by Christopher Finch - I started reading this book months ago but because of how heavy and the size of the book, I could only read it at home. I couldn't read it on a train, thats for sure. Finally though, I have completed the epic book. The last couple of chapters are the toughest as the chronological history changes. Initially, the book covers animation from the Mickey and Silly Symphonies and straight up to Tangled. Then a chapter on Pixar exclusively. Then on the live-action films - including Mary Poppins, Song of the South and the Pirates of the Carribbean films before finishing with a chapter on the theme parks. I have never visited a theme park and, if I'm perfectly honest, it is the animation I love about Disney so these final chapters were a little dull. But the book as a whole is incredibly comprehensive - the only flaw may be how it seems, by the end, as a big advertisement with a little bit lacking in the critical-side. The choice to turn to sequels to make money - and sequelising the original classics - is not even mentioned. But, as an official book it has unprecedented access to the archives with stunning photographs, animation cells and artist background-drawings.

DVD's/Blu-Rays/Cinema

Spider-Man 2 - Yes, the moody shadows make this better than the first. Doc Ock too is a much more interesting villain than Dafoe's Goblin.

Spider-Man 3 - Yes, it is fundamentally flawed because its dealing with a [fascinating] dark subject matter [in a very literal-sense] and trying to balance it with the playful tone of the previous two films.

Men In Black - One of those films I could quote endlessly: "Give me more sugar ... in water ... ... more ... more"

Men In Black II - Sequel Excess. More bad-guys, more SFX and more gadgets. And a convuluted plot.

Music/Podcasts

The BeeGees - Monday started off trragically as Robin Gibb passed away. I listened to a bunch of their tracks and they are brilliant: Night Fever and Stayin' Alive are the go-to classics but I really love the eighties tracks like Islands in the Stream, You Win Again and Alone. A great loss.

SlashFilm Podcast - Interestingly Adam Quigley watched Redline. It comes as no suprise that he 'loved it'. His mental taste in film continues to amaze me - as interesting as the film is, its completely incoherant (as you can see from my review). He recommended it to Dave Chen, so I'd be very interested in his opinion...

Also, discussion on Community seemed a bit bland as all the hosts ignored how unprepared and problematic Dan Harmon was during Season 3. As a producer, who is funding the programme, what else would you do?

TV/Theatre/Art Galleries/Books/Misc

Walt Disney Book - See Above

Community - The end of the first season is so strong, I have already purchased the second season on itunes. an episode sending up Goodfellas and The Godfather, whilst the infamous 'paintballing episode' had me giving a big belly laugh as soon as Troy acknowledges Jeff Winger's prescence: "Jeff Winger - you son-of-a-bitch" 

The Story of Film - I have realised that, the period when you have been alive and udnerstand clearly the context of the films release, you can engage much better with the documentary. David Lynch, Spike Lee, Jane Campion, Gus Van Sant amongst many others have all been added to my to-watch list. And I should watch Russian Ark too I guess.

The Weekly Review: 20/05/2012

A weekly round-up of what I have been watching, listening to and discussing. Inspired by Ryan's 'Days of the Week' posts, this is a bit more all-encompassing as I think my interest in cinema and art crosses over and between a variety of sources...

This week has been busy as I have prepared and displayed an exhibition featuring all the completed Art work from my Year 11 students. It was a great success and I'm sure the pupils are proud. But, since this time last Sunday, I have managed to sneak in a few films and one cinema visit yesterday afternoon...

Highlight of the Week:

Mark Cousins' The Story of Film - Seriously, anyone who is passionate about film needs to watch this. 15 hours which covers the entire history of cinema - beginning wth the Lumière brothers and Georges Méliès and through Chaplin and Hitchcock and beyond. Most importantly - and this is what I love - it shows how every mainstream film, and indeed every Hollywood film, has its roots further afield. That's not to say that America doesn't have it share of innovators - but deep-focus was in Japan with Mizoguchi before it reached Orson Welles Citizen Kane and film-noir in the late 40's and early fifties began with the neo-realism of Vittorio De Sica in The Bicycle Thieves. This is everything I love about cinema ... and I am only two thirds in - I have another 4-hours to go!

DVD's/Blu-Rays/Cinema

The Raid (Finchley Rd VUE Cinema) - My only cinema-screening and it is worth the hype (and would be worth watching over The Dictator). The story is pretty bland but the action is flawless. Non-stop gun-play and sword-play and, obviously, one villain who prefers hand-to-hand combat.

Spiderman - In preparation for the reboot and it is suprising how-much Willem Dafoe comes across as incredibly camp and wouldn't be out of place in a 60's Batman episode.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes - Still as good as it was in the cinema, but miles away from the small-scale the original 5-films established. A great film.

Snatch - Only caught a little of this, but it brought happy memories back: "It's behind you Tyrone. Whenever you reverse, things come from behind you."

Point Break - Never saw this before. It's good fun and shows why Keanu Reeves was picked to lead Speed. And I love the iconic Ex-Presidents bank-robbers. Subtext there ... ?

Jackie Brown - Hugely underrated with a standout performance from Samuel L.Jackson. Check out my Top 5 Tarantino films ...

Music/Podcasts

Radiohead - Listening to all their tracks on random from across all their albums. Best AlbumI have decided is ... In Rainbows.

TV/Theatre/Art Galleries/Books/Misc

The Story of Film - See Above

The Apprentice - How on earth did Stephen survive? Madness. Poor Jenny - she was stamped all over by the others and she was nowhere near as weak as Stephen I-think-I'm-important-but-clearly-I'm-not.

Community - Managed to only watch the one episode this week at the gym. Coming towards the end of season 1 now and, happy days, the second season seems to be available on itunes. Kerrching. Purchase due on Wednesday.

The Simpsons - Only watched one episode from mid-season 7. Possibly a contender for Best Episode of the Season as Bart shoplifts a videogame.