Some films I've seen over the winter...

I've not been to the cinema much (but I've seen a lot of stuff at home on disc instead, including the amazing Dredd, and the rather average One Day) but here is what I've seen on the big screen over the last few months...


Skyfall

I saw this feature, the 23rd (official) "007" film, released on the series' 50th Anniversary, a week after it opened. I was lucky enough to go with my friends Mark and Mandy at the Coventry Odeon. That date tied in with when we were all available, and with the ice hockey game that Mandy and I were going to that evening at the ice-rink next door. Anyway, it was lovely to get together with them again and have a good catch-up!

I thought the film was tremendous, I absolutely loved it and really got into the story and action at that screening. Daniel Craig has certainly made Bond his own, playing it as a thug in a Saville Row suit but now with, I feel, more confidence. This allows him to be a little playful within the role. There is an improved script this time around, compared the muddled and supposedly rushed Quantum of Solace. Good performances from all. I especially like Ben Wishaw as the new "Q". My favourite parts of the film were the attack on the hit man in the Shanghai skyscraper, the look of the film there was spectacular with the advertising lights dancing over the skyscraper (see picture), and the Scotland scenes compromising of the end half hour, where the typical "Bond film vibe" seemed to morph into harder action drama. Stunning. Its huge worldwide success (over $1billion taken at the box office so far) has surely guaranteed 007 films to come for many years. If they are this good, bring 'em on Sony/MGM!

"Empire" magazine review.

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Japanese poster.

At long last! Part 1 of Peter Jackson's new Middle Earth epic opened just before Christmas. I'd been waiting for these films for *years*, after being blown away by his Lord of the Rings trilogy ten years earlier. This first episode, covering roughly the first third of the book, did not disappoint. Most of the film presented here was excellent and very exciting, even though Jackson could be blamed for padding the film unnecessarily (some scenes have been added that were not in the book, but appear in the LOTR appendices, or were created for this version). The second half of the film was probably more effective than the first (picking from Rivendell and beyond) as it seemed to flow better and was more thrilling. The Gollum (Andy Serkis) v Bilbo (Martin Freeman) riddle battle was the key sequence in the film, and top notch film making it was from all concerned. Brilliant. Hats off to Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen) and the Dwarves (Richard Armitage etc.) as well. Generally, the visual effects from WETA Digital and their prop making group were stunning, particularly the work on animating Gollum over Andy's movements in his gimp suit. Anyway, this all points to some great stuff coming in the next two films (Smaug! Giant Spiders! The Battle of the Five Armies! ...and, er..Stephen Fry!?), to be released over the next two Decembers.

I saw this film in 2D - didn't bother with the 3D or the new 3D-48 Frames Per Second version this time. I'll definitely try the 'new' format next time around to see Smaug the Dragon swooping over my head, though!

*The film just went over the $1billion mark, in terms of worldwide box office take. MGM and Warner Bros. must be happy. :)

"Empire" magazine review.

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Les Miserables

I was intrigued by this musical (the latest of a few non-musical film versions made over the years) especially as the stage version has been such a worldwide success. I didn't think it was that bad, but wasn't amazed by it. I had some doubts over the running time (I got a bit bored, to be honest), the pop-style vocal talents of Russell Crowe (pictured), but generally this film is done pretty well and everyone is trying their best, what with singing live in front of the camera. I had some quibbles with some of the way the sets looked: a bit "stagey", but maybe that was the point, or they had run out of budget! Anyway, an average...3/5 from me.

"Empire" magazine review.

Next up will be Oblivion at some point in April, followed by Iron Man 3.

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The Olympics and some Autumn trips.

The London Olympics.

Just a quick word on the Olympics (and Paralympics), held here in the UK last summer. Well, I had my doubts about them - would they be a success? Would anyone care? etc etc...right up until about ten minutes into watching the extravagant opening ceremony on BBC1. Then I was hooked and got into the whole thing! Danny Boyle's cinematic opening show was simply *magnificent*; one of the best pieces of television I've ever seen was the 'Industry Changing Britain' section. Wow, the look and sounds of those towers raising and the flying and exploding Olympic rings over the stadium were stupendous. Plus we also got to see James Bond aka 007 and The Queen parachute into the stadium, Mr. Bean's musical talents, the sci-fi esque lighting of the torch, and Kenneth Branagh in a tall Victorian hat. Class.

Of course, it was great to watch some of the sport as well, especially the women's beach volleyball which was a blast. Seemed like it was daily party down there in horse guards parade! Also, I loved the stadium and park, put together very efficiently and well, I thought. The future of that part of east London looks positive. Closer to home, it was fun to see the Ricoh Arena stadium at Coventry used for some of the football games. The bunting on the stadium front looked very impressive!

The olympic rings come together and float over the Olympic Stadium during the impressive opening ceremony.

A day out in Evesham and Alcester.

Together with out pal Toria, we had a drive around these two pretty towns last Autumn one day, and it was especially pleasant as the weather was cool but very clear and sunny. Evesham features some very nice old buildings in the main town centre and towards the river around the old abbey. The park by the river is lovely to walk around. Also, it was fantastic (for me at least as I'm a cinema fan) to pay a brief visit to the old Regal Cinema (now renovated and running successfully.) I will definitely be back to see a film there and have the tour one day soon! Alcester was also great to go visit on the way back home, as it contains more lovely streets of old buildings and has a nice feel.
 

Abbey bell tower, Evesham.

River Avon, Evesham.

High Street, Alcester.

A trip to the North-East: Durham, Stockton-on-Tees, and Newcastle.

We'd been meaning to go up to this area for some time, and so decided to have a look at a new (well, new to us) part of England. We were lucky enough to find some accomodation at Durham Castle for one evening, and then stay with our friend Trudi in nearby Stockton-on-Tess for two more. We had an enjoyable time in the area, and saw some great stuff. Durham is a very interesting and pretty 'university' town, with some fabulous sites to visit such as Durham Castle, the Cathedral, the green, and the gorgeous river walk. Oh, those lovely trees by the river! Also, we found a fantastic noodle bar there so it was definitely a case of "om nom, nom"! :)

Durham Cathedral, Castle, and River Wear.

Newcastle was fun place to visit on a busy Saturday, and its an easy city to navigate around and drive into. Spotted The Angel of the North statue on the way in and back, as it is just off to the East of the A1. In the city, the castle keep is a must to visit, as is the waterfront where you can see the famous bridges, including the new Millenium Bridge. We also discovered some of the old town walls on our walk abouts. There is a popular market in the city as well, selling some very tasty food items!
  

The Tyne Bridge, over the River Tyne, Newcastle.

Carla and I on the Millenium Bridge, Newcastle.

Me at the top of Newcastle castle keep. Fine views over the whole city! St. James' Park stadium is in the far background.

Trudi and Carla at Newcastle castle keep.

Looking towards the Gatehouse at Newcastle castle keep.

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