Ah, finally, finally, I got to see The Martian! Good gracious me, such trouble I had when I wanted to see it during the week, what with cinemas all showing it too early or too late. It's a long film, and nowhere could I see it, if I had to be at work both that day and the next. However, I had great hopes for yesterday, being the weekend.. and sure enough, not only was my local cinema showing it at a time I could manage, but one I could have managed during the week, even! Grr..
As usual with Vue, I got a cheap ticket with Yplan. Delighted to see they're now emailing the tickets, for the benefit of those of us who can't get the app on our phones. Much easier to print. There was only one showing, at 7:50, finishing at 10:30 - which just suited nicely. So again, I ate at home, and headed out in the evening. I could see it was foggy, as it had been all day - boy though, was it cold!! Yes, it is November.. I'll have to dress a bit warmer from now on.
With Yplan, you can't book your seat in advance - the ticket is subject to availability at the cinema. As I was choosing my seat, the seats were being booked before I could choose one! Selling fast, as I remarked to the person at the till.. so I ended up in a seat by the wall, with a slightly side-on view. But it was fine.
Plenty of action-adventure trailers, including one for the new Star Wars film - I hadn't seen that trailer before. The music did bring back memories.. Before the main feature started, the screen went black, and a deep voice said, "HELLO!". It's a new anti-phone ad - the narrator goes on to point out how striking a dark screen is, and how distracting a mobile phone screen can be. Well said - we'll see whether it has an effect, though.
The Martian - based on a book - has a stellar cast. Directed by Ridley Scott, so you know you're in for a good time! As I'm sure you're aware, Matt Damon plays an astronaut who's left for dead on a Mars mission, when a storm hits. Jessica Chastain, his mission commander, is devastated at leaving him behind, and takes personal responsibility. (Nothing romantic there - she has the hunky Jonathan Aris waiting - patiently - for her at home.)
Kristen Wiig plays the head of NASA PR - with a difficult job, first to explain to the public that an astronaut has been killed, then that he's still alive, and what's being done to save him. Her job isn't made any easier by the eminently political Jeff Daniels, director of NASA, who has sympathy for the astronauts, but has other considerations that they'll never be party to. Michael Pena and Sebastian Stan also show up as members of Matt Damon's team. Now, we're briefly given people's job titles at the start, but they're hard to remember - I had to look up Sean Bean's title of flight director! So he has personal authority over the astronauts. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Vincent Kapoor, head of Mars operations at NASA. This character was originally written as "Venkat Kapoor", and supposed to be Indian.. Benedict Wong is the JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) director.
Crikey. That's a lot of famous people. And the director has a lot for them to do.. this is a long film, as previously mentioned, because so much happens in it. First, you have a terrible storm - apparently fatal. Then you see how Matt Damon survives. Then - having had a lovely funeral for him - NASA discovers that he's alive! which is great, but creates, among other things, a PR nightmare.. Then they have to figure out how to get him back. O me o my, they go through a lot.
Any good? You betcha! Mars, I must say, looks stunning - filmed in Wadi Rum (avoiding any vegetation). The special effects are amazing. The contrast is marked between overcrowded Planet Earth and the isolation of Mars - and of space. Speaking of which.. shades of Gravity near the end, with its vertigo-inducing spinning - I had to watch behind my hand, thinking, oh no, not after everything else! Don't put us through this too..
Basically, this is high entertainment. It's edge-of-the-seat exciting, it's consistently funny - particularly Matt Damon's video diaries - and by the way, geeks will love it. They are the absolute heroes of the film! And the film pays them due homage. Really, if you have any interest in science of any form, you need to see this. The science is mostly accurate, following consultations with NASA - although they do concede that the ferocity of the storm had to be exaggerated - winds on Mars don't get that strong. Also, it apparently only takes half as long to get there as depicted in the film. Well, all in the interests of dramatic tension. Oh, and I love the soundtrack - including the music library that Jessica Chastain leaves behind, and Matt Damon keeps complaining about.
On my foggy way home, there was an interesting encounter with a black cat. Not my encounter - I was just a witness. So, I was walking along the road, and saw a large black cat sat right in the middle of it. Heard a car coming - o dear, the cat showed no sign of moving! As the car approached, the cat just turned around and glared at it..! Fortunately, the car stopped.. cat glared.. I didn't see what happened, but the car eventually moved on. No sign of cat. Imagine - the night after Hallowe'en, dense fog, and a large black cat sat in the middle of the road, glaring at you. Hope the driver wasn't too spooked!
By the time I got home, it was already past 11 - too late to blog. Anyhoo, back to U2 tonight, and tomorrow. The boss & his wife are coming too - assuming he doesn't have issues; I got a mysterious text from him saying there's a small chance he might not make it. Flu, perhaps? We'll see. Tomorrow, I have a flat viewing before the concert - timing should be ok. And on Wednesday, the London European Club is organising a trip to the Frontline Club, for a discussion on the Dayton agreement, 20 years on. Which sounds interesting, so I booked.
Showing posts with label Vue Fulham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vue Fulham. Show all posts
Monday, 2 November 2015
Friday, 14 August 2015
Film: The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Film it was tonight, and one of the more interesting stories of what was chosen. Working from my list of IMDB ratings, the highest was - rather surprisingly, but indisputably, Absolutely Anything (at 8.6), a Simon Pegg comedy in which he's given supernatural powers by the Monty Python crew, and uses them to seduce Kate Beckinsale and make his dog (Robin Williams) talk.
I thought it was too good to be true. Sure enough, the rating fell from 8.6 yesterday morning, to 8.2 yesterday evening, to 8 this morning. By the time it had reached 7.3 this evening, it had been surpassed (it's at 7 at time of writing). Something of a meteoric descent, then. Which left The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The Yplan ticket I'd bought (they have a cheap ticket deal for Vue) was good for any film, and good at my local cinema, which was handier than Shepherd's Bush, where I'd have had to see the other. Especially handy on a grey and drizzly evening.
I got the Tube down there - I could walk home afterwards, but it would've been a trek from the office. Queued for a bit, got my ticket, and arrived in the screen just after the trailers had started. Lots of spy/thriller type trailers - including, oddly, one for the very film we were seeing! I wasn't surprised to hear someone near me ask his companion - this is the one we've come to see, right?
Yes, it was. Co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie, it stars Henry Cavill as Napoleon Solo, the old Robert Vaughn role. Mind you, both he and his co-star, playing Ilya Kuryakin, are much better looking than the original actors. Also stars Alicia Vikander, as watchable as ever, and Hugh Grant. But I can't tell you who their characters are, for fear of giving the plot away.
Oh my goodness, it's very good! Guy Ritchie has set a spy film in the early 60s. And, not that I would wish a return to the Cold War - but it did make for some fantastic thrillers. Sexy, sinister - complicated backstory, great costumes, terrific scenery. Stylish, pacy, sassy. I loved it. Henry Cavill attempting the old Napoleon Solo accent grates at first, but becomes more natural. And Ilya is much less robotic in this than in the original. I do believe I remember one of the scenes from the original series. Oh yes, go see.. and I look forward to the inevitable sequel.
Inspired by the setting of most of the film in Rome, I fancied something Italian for dinner. Specifically, I would've liked chicken in a creamy sauce. Unfortunately, the nearby supermarket was Sainsbury's, and their woeful selection provided neither a decent ready meal, nor any kind of bottled Italian sauce at all! I picked up some garlic bread and chicken kiev..
Tomorrow, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! for Pop-Up Opera's Carmen (in English), again at the Soho Theatre. On Sunday, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta - weather permitting. On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Actually, he wrote two, and this chap was at the other last Monday, but I flew back that day and couldn't make that. Some of us are going to this.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own - to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next TWO days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes..
I thought it was too good to be true. Sure enough, the rating fell from 8.6 yesterday morning, to 8.2 yesterday evening, to 8 this morning. By the time it had reached 7.3 this evening, it had been surpassed (it's at 7 at time of writing). Something of a meteoric descent, then. Which left The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The Yplan ticket I'd bought (they have a cheap ticket deal for Vue) was good for any film, and good at my local cinema, which was handier than Shepherd's Bush, where I'd have had to see the other. Especially handy on a grey and drizzly evening.
I got the Tube down there - I could walk home afterwards, but it would've been a trek from the office. Queued for a bit, got my ticket, and arrived in the screen just after the trailers had started. Lots of spy/thriller type trailers - including, oddly, one for the very film we were seeing! I wasn't surprised to hear someone near me ask his companion - this is the one we've come to see, right?
Yes, it was. Co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie, it stars Henry Cavill as Napoleon Solo, the old Robert Vaughn role. Mind you, both he and his co-star, playing Ilya Kuryakin, are much better looking than the original actors. Also stars Alicia Vikander, as watchable as ever, and Hugh Grant. But I can't tell you who their characters are, for fear of giving the plot away.
Oh my goodness, it's very good! Guy Ritchie has set a spy film in the early 60s. And, not that I would wish a return to the Cold War - but it did make for some fantastic thrillers. Sexy, sinister - complicated backstory, great costumes, terrific scenery. Stylish, pacy, sassy. I loved it. Henry Cavill attempting the old Napoleon Solo accent grates at first, but becomes more natural. And Ilya is much less robotic in this than in the original. I do believe I remember one of the scenes from the original series. Oh yes, go see.. and I look forward to the inevitable sequel.
Inspired by the setting of most of the film in Rome, I fancied something Italian for dinner. Specifically, I would've liked chicken in a creamy sauce. Unfortunately, the nearby supermarket was Sainsbury's, and their woeful selection provided neither a decent ready meal, nor any kind of bottled Italian sauce at all! I picked up some garlic bread and chicken kiev..
Tomorrow, I'm back with Let's Do London - for less! for Pop-Up Opera's Carmen (in English), again at the Soho Theatre. On Sunday, I'm with Walk About London for a walk based on the Magna Carta - weather permitting. On Monday, the organiser of Film Nite informed us that his old drama teacher had written a play - Frank Sent Me - that's performing at the King's Head. Actually, he wrote two, and this chap was at the other last Monday, but I flew back that day and couldn't make that. Some of us are going to this.
On Tuesday, I'm headed to a play set in Sheffield during the Blitz. Operation Crucible is showing in the Finborough, nice and close to me. On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do London - for less! yet again, when they're off to the Globe to see As You Like It. Next Thursday, I'm off to the Spiegeltent - on my own - to see House of Burlesque. Time Out offer. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, and we're headed to the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, at the University Concert Hall.
The following Monday, I'm finally going to see Memphis: the Musical, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And the next TWO days, I'm headed to the Guildford office - first for a meeting, then the Sports Day. Coincides nicely with the next Tube strikes..
Saturday, 1 August 2015
Film: Jurassic World
I decided I'd go to the cinema today - and what came top of the list (at last!) but Jurassic World. Delighted at that - I did love Jurassic Park, and do love when a mainstream film climbs to the top of the list (in terms of IMDB ratings). And given that I developed a throat infection over the last couple of days, and spent all last night waking to blow my nose - I was really glad that it was showing at my local cinema, at a convenient time - not too early, not too late - and I could walk. At my own pace.
So I set off, at the tail end of a gloriously sunny afternoon, and strolled down to the cinema. Where I explained to the nice man that I had a Yplan ticket (they have a deal all summer - it's cheaper than the box office) but gee, it doesn't work on my phone, so I have to print it out! So you have a choice - here's the enormous barcode (I have seen it work if they back right up to the wall) or there's a reference code you can type in. He typed.
I chose a seat near-ish the front, with an aisle in front to stretch my legs. And then moved over anyway, so as not to be right in front of people. It was fine. Trailers were of the sci-fi kind, and included one for Pixels, where the aliens attack us by means of videogame characters. As in - oh no! Pacman is coming.. (I love Pacman. :-) ) Adam Sandler is one of the videogame geeks recruited to save the world. A better bet is probably The Martian, where Matt Damon plays an astronaut left for dead after a storm on Mars during which his fellow colonists were evacuated - directed by Ridley Scott, also stars Jessica Chastain. Looks good.
And so to the dinosaurs. Someone remarked - just yesterday, in fact - that he loved Jurassic Park when he was small. And he isn't so small now! NO! It doesn't matter! No matter big or small, no matter the age, I defy you not to jump when something bigger than a T-Rex smashes its clawed foot through the ceiling of where our hapless heroes are huddling. (Brief plot symposis: Jurassic Park has been re-envisioned larger, with ever bigger creatures. And their latest, biggest creation - which turns out to be unexpectedly intelligent - gets out and goes on a killing spree.)
Ah, it's great stuff! 2D or 3D, when these fanged, scaly beasts start chasing the people down, you'll jump. Very interesting conclusion to the drama, also. Reminded me of Godzilla, that other excellent recent monster movie. I loved it - just glad it was still showing.
I shopped in Sainsbury's, not wanting to inflict my sneezing on a restaurant crowd. Anyway, I had a ton of Nectar points, and got my shopping practically for free (it's all the surveys I do for them). Tomorrow, I had it in mind to do a walk.. I still might, but honestly, I'm not sure I'll be up to it. For Monday, I've booked a cheap ticket to a performance of a reimagined Jekyll and Hyde, in St. Martin's College. Assuming I can beat this flu!
So I set off, at the tail end of a gloriously sunny afternoon, and strolled down to the cinema. Where I explained to the nice man that I had a Yplan ticket (they have a deal all summer - it's cheaper than the box office) but gee, it doesn't work on my phone, so I have to print it out! So you have a choice - here's the enormous barcode (I have seen it work if they back right up to the wall) or there's a reference code you can type in. He typed.
I chose a seat near-ish the front, with an aisle in front to stretch my legs. And then moved over anyway, so as not to be right in front of people. It was fine. Trailers were of the sci-fi kind, and included one for Pixels, where the aliens attack us by means of videogame characters. As in - oh no! Pacman is coming.. (I love Pacman. :-) ) Adam Sandler is one of the videogame geeks recruited to save the world. A better bet is probably The Martian, where Matt Damon plays an astronaut left for dead after a storm on Mars during which his fellow colonists were evacuated - directed by Ridley Scott, also stars Jessica Chastain. Looks good.
And so to the dinosaurs. Someone remarked - just yesterday, in fact - that he loved Jurassic Park when he was small. And he isn't so small now! NO! It doesn't matter! No matter big or small, no matter the age, I defy you not to jump when something bigger than a T-Rex smashes its clawed foot through the ceiling of where our hapless heroes are huddling. (Brief plot symposis: Jurassic Park has been re-envisioned larger, with ever bigger creatures. And their latest, biggest creation - which turns out to be unexpectedly intelligent - gets out and goes on a killing spree.)
Ah, it's great stuff! 2D or 3D, when these fanged, scaly beasts start chasing the people down, you'll jump. Very interesting conclusion to the drama, also. Reminded me of Godzilla, that other excellent recent monster movie. I loved it - just glad it was still showing.
I shopped in Sainsbury's, not wanting to inflict my sneezing on a restaurant crowd. Anyway, I had a ton of Nectar points, and got my shopping practically for free (it's all the surveys I do for them). Tomorrow, I had it in mind to do a walk.. I still might, but honestly, I'm not sure I'll be up to it. For Monday, I've booked a cheap ticket to a performance of a reimagined Jekyll and Hyde, in St. Martin's College. Assuming I can beat this flu!
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Film: Insidious: Chapter 3
Now, there are many people who know me, who would say that this was a foregone conclusion. But to be fair, I did give it a fair bit of consideration. Seriously!
For a start, I was up too late to avail of most of the things happening today. That Meetup group I applied for membership of - Free London Events and Talks - did confirm my membership this morning (while I was still asleep), but I still wouldn't have been out in time to go on their tour of "fire, pestilence and plague". Which was a pity, because I would've been interested.
That brought me to films - top of the list was Terminus, showing as part of the SciFi festival in Stratford East Picturehouse. But I wouldn't have been in time for the only showing of that, either! So I made my way down my film list, and came to Jurassic World. Fair enough, I said - and it was listed for my local Vue cinema.
Now, last time I went to the Vue, I got a deal with Yplan. I also remembered getting a £5 discount code from them recently - I checked, and it was only valid for 36 hours, but I'd only got it yesterday, so it was fine. I made a note of it - LIVEYOURCITY16 - and booked my ticket. I was not expecting to go through the whole booking process without a chance to enter the discount code! which is exactly what happened.
Oh well, it was still better than buying from the cinema. I now had my ticket - I suddenly thought to check the film times. Aw no! Turns out Jurassic World isn't showing until Thursday, when it's previewing. Well, now I had my ticket, so was pretty constrained to go to the Vue.. and of course, thoughts of Insidious flashed through my head. I knew it was pretty highly rated, at least.
Higher than that was Spy, though - but I've seen the trailer, and read a review, and neither led me to believe it was very good. So that got removed from my list. Then I was down to the 7.4s (ratings out of 10 on IMDB), where Insidious vied with Danny Collins. Until today, that is, when Insidious started to drop. Nooo!!! And today was the only day I could see Danny Collins in my local cinema. But I checked, and if I want to see it, it's in the Vue Westfield a couple of evenings this week. So I could avoid it in good conscience. And so I took an executive decision to see Insidious, which after all I had expected to see at the same rating as before.
Having sorted that - and battled with my computer to get the ticket printed, because of course the Yplan app doesn't work on my phone - I had just enough time to complain to Yplan. So I fired off an email asking how I was supposed to redeem the code, if I wasn't given the option? An email exchange followed, which did nothing to dispel my belief that people in helpcentres have to take a stupidity test. It's good enough to reproduce:
Me: How am I supposed to redeem this? I just booked something, but didn't see anywhere to enter the code!
Them: You're supposed to upload the credit on to your app before you make a booking. Go to the profile section and then to "My Reward". Hit the "Redeem A Code" button and then type the code into that section.
Let me know if you need anymore help.
For a start, I was up too late to avail of most of the things happening today. That Meetup group I applied for membership of - Free London Events and Talks - did confirm my membership this morning (while I was still asleep), but I still wouldn't have been out in time to go on their tour of "fire, pestilence and plague". Which was a pity, because I would've been interested.
That brought me to films - top of the list was Terminus, showing as part of the SciFi festival in Stratford East Picturehouse. But I wouldn't have been in time for the only showing of that, either! So I made my way down my film list, and came to Jurassic World. Fair enough, I said - and it was listed for my local Vue cinema.
Now, last time I went to the Vue, I got a deal with Yplan. I also remembered getting a £5 discount code from them recently - I checked, and it was only valid for 36 hours, but I'd only got it yesterday, so it was fine. I made a note of it - LIVEYOURCITY16 - and booked my ticket. I was not expecting to go through the whole booking process without a chance to enter the discount code! which is exactly what happened.
Oh well, it was still better than buying from the cinema. I now had my ticket - I suddenly thought to check the film times. Aw no! Turns out Jurassic World isn't showing until Thursday, when it's previewing. Well, now I had my ticket, so was pretty constrained to go to the Vue.. and of course, thoughts of Insidious flashed through my head. I knew it was pretty highly rated, at least.
Higher than that was Spy, though - but I've seen the trailer, and read a review, and neither led me to believe it was very good. So that got removed from my list. Then I was down to the 7.4s (ratings out of 10 on IMDB), where Insidious vied with Danny Collins. Until today, that is, when Insidious started to drop. Nooo!!! And today was the only day I could see Danny Collins in my local cinema. But I checked, and if I want to see it, it's in the Vue Westfield a couple of evenings this week. So I could avoid it in good conscience. And so I took an executive decision to see Insidious, which after all I had expected to see at the same rating as before.
Having sorted that - and battled with my computer to get the ticket printed, because of course the Yplan app doesn't work on my phone - I had just enough time to complain to Yplan. So I fired off an email asking how I was supposed to redeem the code, if I wasn't given the option? An email exchange followed, which did nothing to dispel my belief that people in helpcentres have to take a stupidity test. It's good enough to reproduce:
Me: How am I supposed to redeem this? I just booked something, but didn't see anywhere to enter the code!
Them: You're supposed to upload the credit on to your app before you make a booking. Go to the profile section and then to "My Reward". Hit the "Redeem A Code" button and then type the code into that section.
Let me know if you need anymore help.
Me: Thanks for nothing! You should have made that clear. This is the second time I've used Yplan, and the second time I've had trouble with it. I won't be using that code now, whereas I could have.
Them: Sorry you feel this way. I was just letting you know how the system works. What were you trying to book? Maybe I can help you out....
Me: Yes, you did let me know how the system works - AFTER I needed to know!
I wasn't "trying" to book anything - if you read my first email properly, you'd see that I DID book - a ticket for the Vue tonight. Like any normal discount code, I was expecting to see an option to enter it at time of booking. I didn't, of course. And now the ticket is booked, and I can't use the code.
Them: So - how about I cancel the booking and then you upload the credit and then you rebook?
Me: Too late - I'm on my way to the cinema. And I'm not changing my plans
Them: I'm not asking you to change your plans. I was asking you if I could refund the booking so you can do it again, so I can put right what went wrong in the first place. I am here at customer support and I am supposed to help rectify situations like this.
Me: Your app doesn't work with my phone, so I have to print out the tickets. And I've already left the house, so that's not an option
Them: I am sorry about this
I'll get the technical team to look in to this. I will respond shortly.
Nearly four hours ago, that was. And what were they going to get the technical team to look into? This isn't what I was complaining about at all! (bangs head against wall..)
Well, anyway, I headed off to the cinema - a lovely warm afternoon it was, but I took my coat because the evenings are cold. I presented the girl at the till with the enormous code I'd printed out, and reassured her that it worked for the last guy, who just kept backing away from the scanner till it beeped. She, however, preferred to type in the reference code - so I was glad I'd printed out both (they come on separate pages, which would doubtless be handy for a phone display).
Trailers included one for Jurassic World, which does look good. And then the film started. Now, this is the third in the Insidious series, which concerns evil entities from a plane called the Further, who feed off the souls of the living. Pretty much purely psychological horror this, not a smidgeon of blood or gore. I unashamedly love the series - it taps into a strain of horror that I find particularly affecting.
And it is TERRIFIC! Best of the series so far, beyond doubt. There's less of the silliness that marred the first one in particular. As the Standard review pointed out, it has a lot more of the psychic, Elise, in it, and is all the better for it. Also notable for her acting talents is the young victim, Stefanie Scott. Specs and Tucker make an appearance, and we learn how they came to know Elise. Discussion of Dermot Mulroney, playing Stefanie Scott's father, is probably best avoided.
Horror aficionados such as myself will appreciate the subtle touches to this film - although there are plenty of jump scares, it's much more polished than the previous ones. And although several of the scares are revealed in the trailers, there's enough to keep you on edge - indeed, knowing what's coming sometimes makes you more apprehensive. The logic of some of the effects is maybe a bit screwed - but they're none the less frightening. Recommended, to all fans of psychological horror. I'm delighted I got to see it!
After the film, and after using the slightly whiffy toilets, I headed for food. Now, one scene takes place in a Chinese restaurant, and I said to myself, "ooh, Chinese.." There used to be a Chinese buffet just down the hall from the cinema, but I see it's been replaced now. So I headed downstairs - but Sainsbury's had closed early! So the only thing for it was Taiwan Village. Blessedly, for once they weren't busy - in fact, I was the only customer! The owner explained to me how I was lucky, and how busy it had been earlier. And after a delicious meal, she regaled me with stories of her recent holiday in Malta..
Tomorrow, there's virtually nothing happening on Meetup, so I'm heading to another film - and this time, maybe I will get to We Are Many!
Horror aficionados such as myself will appreciate the subtle touches to this film - although there are plenty of jump scares, it's much more polished than the previous ones. And although several of the scares are revealed in the trailers, there's enough to keep you on edge - indeed, knowing what's coming sometimes makes you more apprehensive. The logic of some of the effects is maybe a bit screwed - but they're none the less frightening. Recommended, to all fans of psychological horror. I'm delighted I got to see it!
After the film, and after using the slightly whiffy toilets, I headed for food. Now, one scene takes place in a Chinese restaurant, and I said to myself, "ooh, Chinese.." There used to be a Chinese buffet just down the hall from the cinema, but I see it's been replaced now. So I headed downstairs - but Sainsbury's had closed early! So the only thing for it was Taiwan Village. Blessedly, for once they weren't busy - in fact, I was the only customer! The owner explained to me how I was lucky, and how busy it had been earlier. And after a delicious meal, she regaled me with stories of her recent holiday in Malta..
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Film: The Age of Adaline
Once upon a time, not so long ago, I was supposed to be going to a talk tonight, on Ghostly Manifestations in London. It was to be hosted by the Seriously Strange Meetup group, and I'd been looking forward to it for ages.. then it got cancelled, late last night. No idea why - we were not contacted, I just found out by chance when I checked the Meetup page and saw it wasn't there anymore. I contacted the person listed as organiser, who told me she wasn't the organiser any more, has left ASSAP, of which Seriously Strange is a part, and had nothing to do with the cancellation.
It was still listed on the site of ASSAP earlier today - it's gone now, and they've finally got around to putting "Cancelled" in large letters on top of the event page on Meetup. Mind you, she's still down as organiser of the next two of their monthly events - I hope they don't go the way of tonight's!
So to Plan B for tonight - a film. Checking what films were actually showing, I was down to three at 7.4. One was a music documentary I just wasn't interested in. One was Anti-Social, based on the real-life jewellery heists by thieves disguised in burqas.(Down to 7.3 now again, interestingly.) But it's generally showing only at about 11pm! and the only place where it's showing earlier is all the way over the other side of town, in Barking. Tube practically to the end of the line, then a bus. Over an hour each way.
So that left The Age of Adaline. This is proving very popular, but I wasn't sure how interested I was in it myself. Still, it's showing in my local Vue, within walking distance. And it was a beautiful evening for a stroll. Plus, Helen had introduced me to a listings site, Londonist, which had a link for an offer on Vue tickets. I only just remembered that today, and bought myself a cheap ticket voucher from Yplan. Then it turned out I was supposed to redeem it on their phone app - but it's not compatible with my phone! Then, when I opened the ticket on my computer, there was no barcode or reference number! Aargh! Had I wasted my money?!
What a day I was having. Anyway, I went and had lunch, and afterwards, my reference number and QR code had magically appeared - seems there's a delay. Unable to access them from my phone, I printed them out - the QR code came out very large. And later this evening, I set off in brilliant sunshine to try my luck. At the cinema, the shorter queue was for a quite young-looking lad. Oh dear, I thought. But he turned out to be quite knowledgeable, knew all about Yplan. He wasn't used to such a big QR code though.. the scanner wouldn't accept it, and he held it in front of himself and backed further and further away until the scanner blinked green. Excellent! I foresee a future of cheaper cinema for myself.. might try to print it smaller in future though!
There's a row of seats with an aisle in front, and I sat there - no legroom problems, then. Unfortunately, I found myself forced to sit through another trailer for Pitch Perfect 2.. it was a relief when the feature started.
The Age of Adaline is essentially a fairytale. Adaline is involved in a freak accident at the age of 29, and thereafter never ages. So she spends her life running, living in isolation - until true love comes a-knocking. Ellen Burstyn plays her daughter (in later life), Harrison Ford is the guy who knew her long ago, meets her again and recognises her for who she is, still young while he is old.
A newspaper review of this film remarked that if this were a real cure for aging, starlets would flock to try it. I really wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, though! It could've been so silly - it isn't. It's got a dreamlike quality, helped by a wistful narrative in parts, but mostly by the ethereal Blake Lively, who stars as Adaline. Frankly, she's stunning in this. She's magnetic - it occurred to me that you would want someone to play Adaline who could be believable in different eras, and she is perfect. She glides elegantly through the film, exuding the air of someone who really has seen it all, really does know it all, and is slightly aloof. Until she isn't, anymore, near the end.
It's also an unexpectedly touching film. I kept bursting into tears. Ironically, one of the Meetup groups saw this yesterday - I'm rather glad I saw it alone, I'd have been embarrassed. Goes to show though - these ratings do mean something. If it's this highly rated, it's likely to be good.. I'm rather glad now that my other event was cancelled, or I might never have got to see this!
For tomorrow, the Meetup group All Things Baroque is off to Tintinnabuli. I'm not a member because you have to fill out an information sheet about things Baroque, and I don't really know enough about it! I just like it. So I Googled the event, and discovered it's a concert by the Tallis Scholars, in Cadogan Hall, not far away. Lovely - I booked one of the few remaining tickets.
I'm back in Ireland for the weekend, and heading to see the comedian Pat Shortt perform in Glór on Saturday.
I have another Meetup booked for Monday - with the Crick Crack Storytelling Club again! This time, it's in the Soho Theatre, so might be a bit more conventional.
On Tuesday, I'm back with the Film Nite Meetup group, who are having a discussion about the film Gone Girl. I love that film, and am looking forward to the talk. It's in Soho House again - I should find it more easily this time!
Finally, on Wednesday, I'm attending my first meeting with the London European club, who are having a talk about Ireland, of all things! Should be interesting.
It was still listed on the site of ASSAP earlier today - it's gone now, and they've finally got around to putting "Cancelled" in large letters on top of the event page on Meetup. Mind you, she's still down as organiser of the next two of their monthly events - I hope they don't go the way of tonight's!
So to Plan B for tonight - a film. Checking what films were actually showing, I was down to three at 7.4. One was a music documentary I just wasn't interested in. One was Anti-Social, based on the real-life jewellery heists by thieves disguised in burqas.(Down to 7.3 now again, interestingly.) But it's generally showing only at about 11pm! and the only place where it's showing earlier is all the way over the other side of town, in Barking. Tube practically to the end of the line, then a bus. Over an hour each way.
So that left The Age of Adaline. This is proving very popular, but I wasn't sure how interested I was in it myself. Still, it's showing in my local Vue, within walking distance. And it was a beautiful evening for a stroll. Plus, Helen had introduced me to a listings site, Londonist, which had a link for an offer on Vue tickets. I only just remembered that today, and bought myself a cheap ticket voucher from Yplan. Then it turned out I was supposed to redeem it on their phone app - but it's not compatible with my phone! Then, when I opened the ticket on my computer, there was no barcode or reference number! Aargh! Had I wasted my money?!
What a day I was having. Anyway, I went and had lunch, and afterwards, my reference number and QR code had magically appeared - seems there's a delay. Unable to access them from my phone, I printed them out - the QR code came out very large. And later this evening, I set off in brilliant sunshine to try my luck. At the cinema, the shorter queue was for a quite young-looking lad. Oh dear, I thought. But he turned out to be quite knowledgeable, knew all about Yplan. He wasn't used to such a big QR code though.. the scanner wouldn't accept it, and he held it in front of himself and backed further and further away until the scanner blinked green. Excellent! I foresee a future of cheaper cinema for myself.. might try to print it smaller in future though!
There's a row of seats with an aisle in front, and I sat there - no legroom problems, then. Unfortunately, I found myself forced to sit through another trailer for Pitch Perfect 2.. it was a relief when the feature started.
The Age of Adaline is essentially a fairytale. Adaline is involved in a freak accident at the age of 29, and thereafter never ages. So she spends her life running, living in isolation - until true love comes a-knocking. Ellen Burstyn plays her daughter (in later life), Harrison Ford is the guy who knew her long ago, meets her again and recognises her for who she is, still young while he is old.
A newspaper review of this film remarked that if this were a real cure for aging, starlets would flock to try it. I really wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, though! It could've been so silly - it isn't. It's got a dreamlike quality, helped by a wistful narrative in parts, but mostly by the ethereal Blake Lively, who stars as Adaline. Frankly, she's stunning in this. She's magnetic - it occurred to me that you would want someone to play Adaline who could be believable in different eras, and she is perfect. She glides elegantly through the film, exuding the air of someone who really has seen it all, really does know it all, and is slightly aloof. Until she isn't, anymore, near the end.
It's also an unexpectedly touching film. I kept bursting into tears. Ironically, one of the Meetup groups saw this yesterday - I'm rather glad I saw it alone, I'd have been embarrassed. Goes to show though - these ratings do mean something. If it's this highly rated, it's likely to be good.. I'm rather glad now that my other event was cancelled, or I might never have got to see this!
For tomorrow, the Meetup group All Things Baroque is off to Tintinnabuli. I'm not a member because you have to fill out an information sheet about things Baroque, and I don't really know enough about it! I just like it. So I Googled the event, and discovered it's a concert by the Tallis Scholars, in Cadogan Hall, not far away. Lovely - I booked one of the few remaining tickets.
I'm back in Ireland for the weekend, and heading to see the comedian Pat Shortt perform in Glór on Saturday.
I have another Meetup booked for Monday - with the Crick Crack Storytelling Club again! This time, it's in the Soho Theatre, so might be a bit more conventional.
On Tuesday, I'm back with the Film Nite Meetup group, who are having a discussion about the film Gone Girl. I love that film, and am looking forward to the talk. It's in Soho House again - I should find it more easily this time!
Finally, on Wednesday, I'm attending my first meeting with the London European club, who are having a talk about Ireland, of all things! Should be interesting.
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Film: Interstellar
Jump to the ** for the short version..!
Interstellar was right at the top of the film list, no competition. And right up until yesterday, I was sure I'd be going to a film. But then Time Out decided to inundate me with gig listings, and I had a decision to make.
..and then Aneta, who left the company a while back, dropped by and drinks were mooted, so by the time we'd finished there.. film was the only thing I could make, and I made my excuses and left at 8.37, for the 8.35 show at the Vue Fulham, my local cinema. The Odeon Kensington is closer to where we were, but the last showing there was at 8. Besides, the Vue is cheaper! (There have been lots of Odeon deals - including one I actually bought and let expire - but none are current right now.) I could have held out for a later show at the Vue, but heavens, I had to come in for work today.. and the film (+ ads) runs to over three hours!
I knew my best chance was to catch a bus outside West Kensington station - so I dashed there, and after a few minutes one appeared. And after a few minutes more, it deposited me on Fulham Broadway. Unfortunately, it took me some minutes more to make my way to the cinema - but I was there by 8.50, and I knew they run 20 minutes of ads. Got a ticket - and voucher for next time - and panted my way into Screen 1 - it's currently showing in three screens there.
There were only about half a dozen of us - well, it is showing in three screens, and this was a weeknight, and a late-ish showing. And one of the nights with no special deals. I actually made it in time for the trailers, and watched an interesting, extended one for The Drop, a thriller with the late James Gandolfini, Tom Hardy, and Noomi Rapace. Goodness, that's two films I've now seen with James Gandolfini, since he died. Ah well.
And so we settled in for the marathon that is Interstellar. Despite having stellar reviews (pun intended, sorry!), you have to wonder what you're in for with an epic that runs for nearly three hours (not counting the ads).
Well, you're in for a Christopher Nolan epic, is what you're in for! He directed this, and co-wrote it with his brother, Jonathan. Now, when the Nolans are involved, you're in for something different - and with Christopher, you're in for a roller-coaster ride! Half of Hollywood seems to agree, because half of Hollywood signed up for it.
Let's see: where do I start? For a film that begins at the end, let's start at the beginning. Matthew McConaughey is a farmer in a post-apocalyptic Earth, where farming is considered much more important than science (the apocalypse that got them here isn't explained, but seems to be environmental, and the inference is that science was somehow responsible). His wife has died, and he lives with his father-in-law (John Lithgow), son and daughter on a dusty farm, far from anywhere.
Anyhoo, one day - doubtless out of boredom: he likes farming, but he used to be a test pilot, as we later discover - he embarks on a voyage of exploration and comes across the renmants of NASA. I might point out that the method by which he finds this place is somewhat less believeable than what happened to Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But never mind.
So, hanging out in this place, trying to solve the mysteries of the universe, are an elderly professor of his acquaintance (Michael Caine) and his daughter (Anne Hathaway, sporting an unflattering, short, asymetric hairstyle, doubtless to look more scientific). And they decide that he's just the fellow they need to pilot their exploratory mission to find a new planet for humanity to live on. 'Coz this one is - not to put too fine a point on it - fecked.
And this is where the story properly kicks off. Apparently, there was a consultant physicist on set, and it shows - your basic theme in this film is Unified Field Theory. Not that it's called that in the film, mind - but there is a lot of talk about gravity, and the need to "solve" gravity. Leading to the impression that if they could just do whatever it is they're trying to do, they could just float the whole human race off the planet to wherever they needed to get to. But what the hey, that'll do as a working solution!
Well now, there's an awful lot of talk about relativity theory in this, and I'm not sure they understood all of it. But they do some clever playing around with relative timeframes, so while our intrepid astronauts are off discovering new worlds, Matthew McConaughey's kids have grown up, into Casey Affleck and Jessica Chastain. And that's not the end of the time slips - but I can't give away too much of the plot. Jessica Chastain, by the way, eventually ages to become Ellen Burstyn.
Bill Irwin voices one of the robots - and may I take this opportunity to congratulate them for a hugely innovative robot design! Most versatile. Wes Bentley goes along for the ride. Oh, and I was wondering what had happened to Matt Damon! He is on the cast list, but doesn't appear for ages.. and then pops up as one of the scientists of the first wave of exploratory missions, who set up camp on one of these candidate replacement worlds. He makes a brief, but memorable, appearance.
Well, that's the basic plot. But what is it like?
** This film is epic in every sense. Now, once we enter a black hole (not much of a spoiler, there's always one, isn't there?) things go seriously wacky. It's all very imaginative, but just a bit daft. And that's why, like IMDB, I give it about 9/10. But UP TO the black hole, this is a serious contender for best sci-fi film of all time. It really does have a bit of everything. The action sequences are edge-of-the-seat stuff. The alien worlds are imaginative, yet quite believeable, with different and fascinating characteristics. The soundtrack! Man, if you happen to forget to be excited, this soundtrack is here to help. I came out humming it - how often does that happen for a sci-fi film? (We have Hans Zimmer to thank for that, BTW.)
Fantastic film. Really and truly. And has to be long, given that we're talking about the very meaning of life, and the nature of the universe. Which looks fantastic, may I add, with shots worthy of Gravity. Epic in scale, visionary in outlook. This is destined to be one of the films that become a household name for the entire world.
I was surprised, mind, to check my watch at the end and discover it was 11.50! That means there were probably 10 mins extra of ads at that showing. Anyway, a 15-minute walk got me home - detouring slightly so as not to get in the way of our local fox! And then it was too late to blog - hence the lateness of this report.
Tonight is Scenes de Ballet - a mixed programme at the Opera House. The only availability they had for tonight was standing or restricted view - this was 9 days ago. The only other site that had tickets was LoveTheatre, which had stalls tickets for a small markup - I got one of those. Well, it'll probably be my only time in the stalls at the Opera House! so I'm looking forward to that. I see tomorrow night - the last night - is sold out, on the official website at least. And I got an email yesterday - I'm signed up for TFL updates - to the effect that Covent Garden Station lifts are fixed now, so the station should be operating normally again, and I can get the Tube back from there. That'll be handy.
For tomorrow night, I've booked to see a play called Fully Committed - a comedy about a busy restaurant taking bookings - at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Ends Saturday - quite limited availability. And then I'm back to Ireland again (!) for the weekend. Well, y'see, I'm supposed to be on a training course next week, and didn't want to be rushing from there to the airport that weekend..
Interstellar was right at the top of the film list, no competition. And right up until yesterday, I was sure I'd be going to a film. But then Time Out decided to inundate me with gig listings, and I had a decision to make.
..and then Aneta, who left the company a while back, dropped by and drinks were mooted, so by the time we'd finished there.. film was the only thing I could make, and I made my excuses and left at 8.37, for the 8.35 show at the Vue Fulham, my local cinema. The Odeon Kensington is closer to where we were, but the last showing there was at 8. Besides, the Vue is cheaper! (There have been lots of Odeon deals - including one I actually bought and let expire - but none are current right now.) I could have held out for a later show at the Vue, but heavens, I had to come in for work today.. and the film (+ ads) runs to over three hours!
I knew my best chance was to catch a bus outside West Kensington station - so I dashed there, and after a few minutes one appeared. And after a few minutes more, it deposited me on Fulham Broadway. Unfortunately, it took me some minutes more to make my way to the cinema - but I was there by 8.50, and I knew they run 20 minutes of ads. Got a ticket - and voucher for next time - and panted my way into Screen 1 - it's currently showing in three screens there.
There were only about half a dozen of us - well, it is showing in three screens, and this was a weeknight, and a late-ish showing. And one of the nights with no special deals. I actually made it in time for the trailers, and watched an interesting, extended one for The Drop, a thriller with the late James Gandolfini, Tom Hardy, and Noomi Rapace. Goodness, that's two films I've now seen with James Gandolfini, since he died. Ah well.
And so we settled in for the marathon that is Interstellar. Despite having stellar reviews (pun intended, sorry!), you have to wonder what you're in for with an epic that runs for nearly three hours (not counting the ads).
Well, you're in for a Christopher Nolan epic, is what you're in for! He directed this, and co-wrote it with his brother, Jonathan. Now, when the Nolans are involved, you're in for something different - and with Christopher, you're in for a roller-coaster ride! Half of Hollywood seems to agree, because half of Hollywood signed up for it.
Let's see: where do I start? For a film that begins at the end, let's start at the beginning. Matthew McConaughey is a farmer in a post-apocalyptic Earth, where farming is considered much more important than science (the apocalypse that got them here isn't explained, but seems to be environmental, and the inference is that science was somehow responsible). His wife has died, and he lives with his father-in-law (John Lithgow), son and daughter on a dusty farm, far from anywhere.
Anyhoo, one day - doubtless out of boredom: he likes farming, but he used to be a test pilot, as we later discover - he embarks on a voyage of exploration and comes across the renmants of NASA. I might point out that the method by which he finds this place is somewhat less believeable than what happened to Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But never mind.
So, hanging out in this place, trying to solve the mysteries of the universe, are an elderly professor of his acquaintance (Michael Caine) and his daughter (Anne Hathaway, sporting an unflattering, short, asymetric hairstyle, doubtless to look more scientific). And they decide that he's just the fellow they need to pilot their exploratory mission to find a new planet for humanity to live on. 'Coz this one is - not to put too fine a point on it - fecked.
And this is where the story properly kicks off. Apparently, there was a consultant physicist on set, and it shows - your basic theme in this film is Unified Field Theory. Not that it's called that in the film, mind - but there is a lot of talk about gravity, and the need to "solve" gravity. Leading to the impression that if they could just do whatever it is they're trying to do, they could just float the whole human race off the planet to wherever they needed to get to. But what the hey, that'll do as a working solution!
Well now, there's an awful lot of talk about relativity theory in this, and I'm not sure they understood all of it. But they do some clever playing around with relative timeframes, so while our intrepid astronauts are off discovering new worlds, Matthew McConaughey's kids have grown up, into Casey Affleck and Jessica Chastain. And that's not the end of the time slips - but I can't give away too much of the plot. Jessica Chastain, by the way, eventually ages to become Ellen Burstyn.
Bill Irwin voices one of the robots - and may I take this opportunity to congratulate them for a hugely innovative robot design! Most versatile. Wes Bentley goes along for the ride. Oh, and I was wondering what had happened to Matt Damon! He is on the cast list, but doesn't appear for ages.. and then pops up as one of the scientists of the first wave of exploratory missions, who set up camp on one of these candidate replacement worlds. He makes a brief, but memorable, appearance.
Well, that's the basic plot. But what is it like?
** This film is epic in every sense. Now, once we enter a black hole (not much of a spoiler, there's always one, isn't there?) things go seriously wacky. It's all very imaginative, but just a bit daft. And that's why, like IMDB, I give it about 9/10. But UP TO the black hole, this is a serious contender for best sci-fi film of all time. It really does have a bit of everything. The action sequences are edge-of-the-seat stuff. The alien worlds are imaginative, yet quite believeable, with different and fascinating characteristics. The soundtrack! Man, if you happen to forget to be excited, this soundtrack is here to help. I came out humming it - how often does that happen for a sci-fi film? (We have Hans Zimmer to thank for that, BTW.)
Fantastic film. Really and truly. And has to be long, given that we're talking about the very meaning of life, and the nature of the universe. Which looks fantastic, may I add, with shots worthy of Gravity. Epic in scale, visionary in outlook. This is destined to be one of the films that become a household name for the entire world.
I was surprised, mind, to check my watch at the end and discover it was 11.50! That means there were probably 10 mins extra of ads at that showing. Anyway, a 15-minute walk got me home - detouring slightly so as not to get in the way of our local fox! And then it was too late to blog - hence the lateness of this report.
Tonight is Scenes de Ballet - a mixed programme at the Opera House. The only availability they had for tonight was standing or restricted view - this was 9 days ago. The only other site that had tickets was LoveTheatre, which had stalls tickets for a small markup - I got one of those. Well, it'll probably be my only time in the stalls at the Opera House! so I'm looking forward to that. I see tomorrow night - the last night - is sold out, on the official website at least. And I got an email yesterday - I'm signed up for TFL updates - to the effect that Covent Garden Station lifts are fixed now, so the station should be operating normally again, and I can get the Tube back from there. That'll be handy.
For tomorrow night, I've booked to see a play called Fully Committed - a comedy about a busy restaurant taking bookings - at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Ends Saturday - quite limited availability. And then I'm back to Ireland again (!) for the weekend. Well, y'see, I'm supposed to be on a training course next week, and didn't want to be rushing from there to the airport that weekend..
Thursday, 16 October 2014
Film: Gone Girl
Oh, at last! I've been waiting for the film of Gone Girl for over a year - ever since I read the book. This was a book so gripping that I literally couldn't put it down. And the film came out last week - but there's been so much else on..
I really wanted to see it this week, before I go back to Ireland for a week. And tonight, I did! It's nice that the rain held off for my walk to (and from) the cinema - I can hear it raining now, outside. And my, it's - I counted - 11 days since I was even at the cinema. Well, now! There wasn't much of a queue - well, I was early - and since he didn't bother to ask what seat I wanted, I didn't bother to take his choice, and just sat where I wanted. Which caused a moment's consternation when the people actually supposed to be sitting there came in. Well, I just moved in a bit. And then I think the people supposed to be sitting where I now was came in - but sensibly just sat in the row in front. The screen was maybe a third full.
There were a couple of trailers I hadn't seen, for films I have heard of - The Imitation Game had quite a drab trailer, I thought, for a very highly rated film: well, but it is set during wartime. The Drop, on the other hand, had an intriguing trailer, and I'd be interested in seeing it.
And so to the main feature. Now, I mentioned that I adored the book. What do we want of film adaptations of books that we love? That's right, we want them to live up to the book.
This film.. not only follows the plot of the book to the letter (despite rumours that they'd changed the ending, I'm glad they didn't) - but also the spirit. I have never seen an adaptation so faithful to the original - doubtless because the author also wrote this screenplay. Which did I prefer? Probably the book - only because you could put it down (I frequently did) to go "WTF?! WOW!" The major plot twist in the film is signified by the screen going black for a couple of seconds - then our leading lady starts to speak, and you are into the second part of the story. Of course, it would happen equally quickly in the book if you didn't pause, as mentioned above..
Having said that, I think the ideal is to read the book first, then allow sufficient time to elapse, as I did, before seeing the film. Oh, it was terrific to see all of this brought to life! I had forgotten plot elements, and it was great to be reminded of them onscreen.
Gee, I can say very little about this without giving away the plot. Basically, a wife (Rosamund Pike) goes missing, and her husband (Ben Affleck), naturally, becomes the prime suspect. The evidence soon mounts against him, and we're privy to her diary, in which she becomes increasingly paranoid about him. Whom do you believe - the evidence and her words? or his apparent innocence and disbelief? The story switches between both. As you go deeper into this story, it is made apparent that you can never really know anyone.
Apparently, there was some initial displeasure over the casting of Rosamund Pike. Rubbish, she's fantastic in this! Plays it to perfection. I can't even tell you why, for fear of revealing the plot. :-) But it seems that the dissenters quietened when they saw her in the trailer. Also stars Neil Patrick Harris, as an ex of hers whom she accused of stalking her, and who also becomes a suspect. Special mention must go to the woman who plays Ben Affleck's sister - she is perfect in this role!
Film of the year - go see. Or read the book, and get this later on dvd or Blu-Ray. But you must see it.
Well! Off to Ireland tomorrow. Next thing I've booked for is The Man in the Woman's Shoes, a one-man comedy show at Glór, next Thursday..
I really wanted to see it this week, before I go back to Ireland for a week. And tonight, I did! It's nice that the rain held off for my walk to (and from) the cinema - I can hear it raining now, outside. And my, it's - I counted - 11 days since I was even at the cinema. Well, now! There wasn't much of a queue - well, I was early - and since he didn't bother to ask what seat I wanted, I didn't bother to take his choice, and just sat where I wanted. Which caused a moment's consternation when the people actually supposed to be sitting there came in. Well, I just moved in a bit. And then I think the people supposed to be sitting where I now was came in - but sensibly just sat in the row in front. The screen was maybe a third full.
There were a couple of trailers I hadn't seen, for films I have heard of - The Imitation Game had quite a drab trailer, I thought, for a very highly rated film: well, but it is set during wartime. The Drop, on the other hand, had an intriguing trailer, and I'd be interested in seeing it.
And so to the main feature. Now, I mentioned that I adored the book. What do we want of film adaptations of books that we love? That's right, we want them to live up to the book.
This film.. not only follows the plot of the book to the letter (despite rumours that they'd changed the ending, I'm glad they didn't) - but also the spirit. I have never seen an adaptation so faithful to the original - doubtless because the author also wrote this screenplay. Which did I prefer? Probably the book - only because you could put it down (I frequently did) to go "WTF?! WOW!" The major plot twist in the film is signified by the screen going black for a couple of seconds - then our leading lady starts to speak, and you are into the second part of the story. Of course, it would happen equally quickly in the book if you didn't pause, as mentioned above..
Having said that, I think the ideal is to read the book first, then allow sufficient time to elapse, as I did, before seeing the film. Oh, it was terrific to see all of this brought to life! I had forgotten plot elements, and it was great to be reminded of them onscreen.
Gee, I can say very little about this without giving away the plot. Basically, a wife (Rosamund Pike) goes missing, and her husband (Ben Affleck), naturally, becomes the prime suspect. The evidence soon mounts against him, and we're privy to her diary, in which she becomes increasingly paranoid about him. Whom do you believe - the evidence and her words? or his apparent innocence and disbelief? The story switches between both. As you go deeper into this story, it is made apparent that you can never really know anyone.
Apparently, there was some initial displeasure over the casting of Rosamund Pike. Rubbish, she's fantastic in this! Plays it to perfection. I can't even tell you why, for fear of revealing the plot. :-) But it seems that the dissenters quietened when they saw her in the trailer. Also stars Neil Patrick Harris, as an ex of hers whom she accused of stalking her, and who also becomes a suspect. Special mention must go to the woman who plays Ben Affleck's sister - she is perfect in this role!
Film of the year - go see. Or read the book, and get this later on dvd or Blu-Ray. But you must see it.
Well! Off to Ireland tomorrow. Next thing I've booked for is The Man in the Woman's Shoes, a one-man comedy show at Glór, next Thursday..
Monday, 15 September 2014
Film: Pride
It's a funny thing about Indian film. I've mentioned before how so many Indian films are over-rated (in terms of IMDB ratings, anyhow), and someone seems to be listening to me. Because it's a long time now since I've been to an Indian film - and this is because of the ratings. Case in point: Finding Fanny, an Indian rom-com. When I looked up the rating on Thursday, it was at 7.8 - then shot up to 8.5! By Sunday, however, it was down to 6.8, and I see today it's down even further, to 6.6. Hardly likely to trouble me, then.
Considering the other films on my list, eliminating One Night In Istanbul - a soccer comedy: sorry, just not interested: a jump in ratings for Pride meant that was the highest on my list for tonight, so that's what I went to. Pity the ShowFilmFirst tickets to a free preview of this were sold out - as usual - by the time I got to them. Never mind - I did remember, despite it being a long time since I've been to a Vue cinema - that I had a voucher. So, not free,, but I did get a discount. Also, seeing as it was showing in my local Vue, I could combine my trip with one to the sorting office, to pick up a parcel.
It was a pleasant stroll, and I was in no hurry, for once, to get to the cinema, having come early to catch them at the sorting office. I got a replacement voucher at the till, and chose a seat that turned out to be in about the best spot. I fancied some Crunchie Rocks, despite the exorbitant price for what turned out to be a small quantity of chocolate. I was very early, and although I had been assured that the screen was open and I could go in, I think I startled the staff member who later came to clean it! Anyway, I enjoyed playing with my parcel while I waited for the film to start.
There weren't many at the screening - mind you, it was a Monday. The story is based on the real-life miners' strike of 1984, when Thatcher determined to close the mines and unilaterally destroy the livelihoods of entire communities. As she is shown to say during a tv interview, "One is not a softie". This film, in particular, concerns itself with the true story of a London lesbian/gay group that fundraises for a particular Welsh village of striking miners, feeling solidarity with them on the subject of police persecution.
Now, I read a review of this film that said it was terrific, apart from the failure of Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton - who play committee members in this village - to master a Welsh accent. I can't say their accents were terrible - personally, I heard nothing wrong with them at all: although, of course, I'm not Welsh! What I did find was, indeed, a terrific film - warm, laugh-out-loud funny, with plenty of comic opportunities in the descent of openly gay Londoners on a small Welsh village. Never descending into caricature, the characters are warm and well developed, and the film is genuinely moving. Andrew Scott, who plays the voice of the Irish employee in Locke (a film with one character on-screen and many on the phone), here plays the owner of a gay bookshop in London, but originally from Wales, who helps the group in their quest. Paddy Considine is another Welsh committee member.
A really lovely film - go see. And oh! the eighties soundtrack is terrific. Really, music hasn't been the same since..
Tomorrow, I'm off to Eye of a Needle, showing at the Southwark Playhouse. It's a play - a comedy - about immigration, supposed to be good. You might recall me mentioning it last week - I'd have gone, but wasn't feeling the best that night. Again, I might have gone tonight, but found a Living Social deal for tickets at just over half price, valid from tomorrow night. Hence my scheduling! And on Wednesday, I'm going to try to make the Scoop in time to get a seat for Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. (Weather permitting.) See, they show free films throughout September, and this is about the only one of them I haven't seen!
Considering the other films on my list, eliminating One Night In Istanbul - a soccer comedy: sorry, just not interested: a jump in ratings for Pride meant that was the highest on my list for tonight, so that's what I went to. Pity the ShowFilmFirst tickets to a free preview of this were sold out - as usual - by the time I got to them. Never mind - I did remember, despite it being a long time since I've been to a Vue cinema - that I had a voucher. So, not free,, but I did get a discount. Also, seeing as it was showing in my local Vue, I could combine my trip with one to the sorting office, to pick up a parcel.
It was a pleasant stroll, and I was in no hurry, for once, to get to the cinema, having come early to catch them at the sorting office. I got a replacement voucher at the till, and chose a seat that turned out to be in about the best spot. I fancied some Crunchie Rocks, despite the exorbitant price for what turned out to be a small quantity of chocolate. I was very early, and although I had been assured that the screen was open and I could go in, I think I startled the staff member who later came to clean it! Anyway, I enjoyed playing with my parcel while I waited for the film to start.
There weren't many at the screening - mind you, it was a Monday. The story is based on the real-life miners' strike of 1984, when Thatcher determined to close the mines and unilaterally destroy the livelihoods of entire communities. As she is shown to say during a tv interview, "One is not a softie". This film, in particular, concerns itself with the true story of a London lesbian/gay group that fundraises for a particular Welsh village of striking miners, feeling solidarity with them on the subject of police persecution.
Now, I read a review of this film that said it was terrific, apart from the failure of Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton - who play committee members in this village - to master a Welsh accent. I can't say their accents were terrible - personally, I heard nothing wrong with them at all: although, of course, I'm not Welsh! What I did find was, indeed, a terrific film - warm, laugh-out-loud funny, with plenty of comic opportunities in the descent of openly gay Londoners on a small Welsh village. Never descending into caricature, the characters are warm and well developed, and the film is genuinely moving. Andrew Scott, who plays the voice of the Irish employee in Locke (a film with one character on-screen and many on the phone), here plays the owner of a gay bookshop in London, but originally from Wales, who helps the group in their quest. Paddy Considine is another Welsh committee member.
A really lovely film - go see. And oh! the eighties soundtrack is terrific. Really, music hasn't been the same since..
Tomorrow, I'm off to Eye of a Needle, showing at the Southwark Playhouse. It's a play - a comedy - about immigration, supposed to be good. You might recall me mentioning it last week - I'd have gone, but wasn't feeling the best that night. Again, I might have gone tonight, but found a Living Social deal for tickets at just over half price, valid from tomorrow night. Hence my scheduling! And on Wednesday, I'm going to try to make the Scoop in time to get a seat for Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. (Weather permitting.) See, they show free films throughout September, and this is about the only one of them I haven't seen!
Monday, 14 July 2014
Film: Begin Again
I wasn't that keen on heading to the cinema again this evening - film fatigue, maybe! But anyhow, I said I would - Begin Again looked decent and is, conveniently, playing in my local cinema. So off I trotted in the evening sunshine, conveniently passing the postbox just as the postman arrived - an hour late, I might add - to make the final collection of the day. Handy - I had something to post!
Not so much of a queue this evening. Neither was I prevailed upon to go to a free screening next Thursday - I forgot to mention, but someone did offer me a ticket to one while I was queueing yesterday. Unfortunately, it clashes with Hard Facade's emergence from the studio into the light of day - well, night - for a one-off gig, at Suraya. Never mind. Today's cashier not only replaced my voucher - and let me choose my own seat - but gave me a second voucher when - well, I'm not exactly sure what happened, but it seems the system made her, not realising she already had. Never mind, I now have two again! And I got to choose my preferred seat.
Now, Begin Again has Keira Knightly as an undiscovered singer-songwriter in New York, who's playing a small club open-mic night when she's heard by Mark Ruffalo, an A&R man who's just been fired by his business partner, Mos Def, and who's massively impressed by what he hears. We soon get flashbacks to what led them here - not only has he been fired, he's separated from his wife (Catherine Keener), and misses her and their daughter very much. Keira has her own baggage - she's just broken up with her boyfriend, a rising rock star who's discovered the temptations of fame - played by Adam Levine, the real-life frontman of Maroon 5. CeeLo Green also shows up a couple of times.
But this film is all about the music. It reminded me so very much of Once - remember that? A few years back.. a somewhat iconic film, set in Dublin, about a busker who meets a young lady that helps him produce beautiful music, and an ambiguous love story between them, despite the differences between them, and despite other parties being involved. This film is also set in a city, and tells the story of music made under difficult circumstances. Albeit they're more successful in this one, and she's not actually a busker - but she is staying with one. That romantic attraction is there, despite their other partners. The music is even of the same style. Ah yes, I kept thinking of Once. And do you know, it's not surprising - they have the same (Irish) writer / director, John Carney! Hey, an Irish actor even makes a surprise appearance as a lawyer towards the end - take a bow, Simon Delaney!
So, it's quite simple. To decide whether you'd like this film, listen to some of the soundtrack. Or the iconic song from Once - Falling Slowly. There's nothing to equal it in this film, but the main track - the one in the trailer - is quite good. And if you enjoyed Once, you are bound to enjoy this film. Because, again, it's all about the music. I'd go so far as to say (assuming you don't hate the soundtrack) that this is the kind of film to make you appreciate music again. I was certainly tapping my foot in time..
Tomorrow is a double-bill of films of quite a different hue - I'm off to the BFI to see a pair of Dennis Potter films: Angels Are So Few and Only Make Believe.
Not so much of a queue this evening. Neither was I prevailed upon to go to a free screening next Thursday - I forgot to mention, but someone did offer me a ticket to one while I was queueing yesterday. Unfortunately, it clashes with Hard Facade's emergence from the studio into the light of day - well, night - for a one-off gig, at Suraya. Never mind. Today's cashier not only replaced my voucher - and let me choose my own seat - but gave me a second voucher when - well, I'm not exactly sure what happened, but it seems the system made her, not realising she already had. Never mind, I now have two again! And I got to choose my preferred seat.
Now, Begin Again has Keira Knightly as an undiscovered singer-songwriter in New York, who's playing a small club open-mic night when she's heard by Mark Ruffalo, an A&R man who's just been fired by his business partner, Mos Def, and who's massively impressed by what he hears. We soon get flashbacks to what led them here - not only has he been fired, he's separated from his wife (Catherine Keener), and misses her and their daughter very much. Keira has her own baggage - she's just broken up with her boyfriend, a rising rock star who's discovered the temptations of fame - played by Adam Levine, the real-life frontman of Maroon 5. CeeLo Green also shows up a couple of times.
But this film is all about the music. It reminded me so very much of Once - remember that? A few years back.. a somewhat iconic film, set in Dublin, about a busker who meets a young lady that helps him produce beautiful music, and an ambiguous love story between them, despite the differences between them, and despite other parties being involved. This film is also set in a city, and tells the story of music made under difficult circumstances. Albeit they're more successful in this one, and she's not actually a busker - but she is staying with one. That romantic attraction is there, despite their other partners. The music is even of the same style. Ah yes, I kept thinking of Once. And do you know, it's not surprising - they have the same (Irish) writer / director, John Carney! Hey, an Irish actor even makes a surprise appearance as a lawyer towards the end - take a bow, Simon Delaney!
So, it's quite simple. To decide whether you'd like this film, listen to some of the soundtrack. Or the iconic song from Once - Falling Slowly. There's nothing to equal it in this film, but the main track - the one in the trailer - is quite good. And if you enjoyed Once, you are bound to enjoy this film. Because, again, it's all about the music. I'd go so far as to say (assuming you don't hate the soundtrack) that this is the kind of film to make you appreciate music again. I was certainly tapping my foot in time..
Tomorrow is a double-bill of films of quite a different hue - I'm off to the BFI to see a pair of Dennis Potter films: Angels Are So Few and Only Make Believe.
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Film: Boyhood
I was going to have to see Boyhood eventually, there's been so much hype over it. Anyway, it's directed by Richard Linklater, and I loved the Before trilogy. And it stars Ethan Hawke, who was also in that trilogy, so you know they work well together. Also stars Patricia Arquette, with whom I'm most familiar from the Medium series. Plus, it's extremely highly rated on IMDB. So when I was looking for a film, it was a no-brainer.
Luckily, it's showing in my local cinema, so I walked down there - a pleasant walk, during a sunny patch of the afternoon. The staff showed their usual disregard, only having one till open despite the queue; still, it took under five minutes. The person - again, wearing Maleficent zogabongs - who gave me my ticket didn't bother to ask me where I'd like to sit. Maybe they're learning! Neither did she replace my voucher - maybe they don't on weekends. Never mind, I still have a spare. I missed the screen and had to double back - I haven't been in this one before. And this time, I almost sat where I was assigned - unlike the other screens, this one doesn't have an aisle separating the seats in front, which is where I tend to like to sit, for the leg-room. And the front row was too close. I might, in fact, have sat exactly where I was assigned, except that it was right in front of someone else. So I sat right in front of that, instead.
Well, this is a 166min marathon. But you know, it's surprisingly interesting. It follows the main character through 12 years of his life, actually filmed over 12 years, a bit each year. I have to keep reminding myself that they didn't have to source several different child actors - these are the same people! The director knew what he was doing - the years focussed on are from 6 to 18, which must see the most dramatic change of anyone's life. The boy of the title starts off the film in elementary school, progresses through high school, gets and loses a girlfriend, find an interest in life, goes off to study that at college, and the film ends on his first day there. We get the standard milestones - he starts to drink and smoke cannabis, gets bullied. We also get some not-so-usual milestones, as his mother (Patricia Arquette) goes through a succession of unsuccessful marriages (she separates from his father, Ethan Hawke, before the film starts), and house moves, and we get to see some unsavoury family situations. Also his evolving relationship with his sister, played by the director's real-life daughter. You can really see the resemblance to the director as she grows up.
It features Linklater's naturalistic style, of course - I had to keep wondering whether the shots were scripted, or just loosely. So if you liked the Before trilogy, you'll probably like this. It being so long, I was kind of glad when it came to an end, but all through I was just fascinated to see what would happen next. Oh, and what the main character would look like, as his appearance kept changing. Yeah, it's good - I do think you need to be a Linklater fan to really appreciate it. And, for obvious reasons, I don't think this style of filmmaking will really catch on.
Bought dinner on the way home, and am currently eating a Sainsbury's cottage pie. Can't really recommend it - tasty, but it's at least half mash.
So, if tomorrow is a film - which looks likely - it's like to be Begin Again. Starring Mark Ruffalo as a disgraced music industry executive, and Keira Knightly as an up-and-coming musician (oh, and also featuring Mos Def), it looks good, and is, again, showing in my local cinema. And hopefully, next time I'll get a replacement voucher.. for Tuesday, I've already booked (because booking was heavy) for a Dennis Potter play double bill at the BFI.
Luckily, it's showing in my local cinema, so I walked down there - a pleasant walk, during a sunny patch of the afternoon. The staff showed their usual disregard, only having one till open despite the queue; still, it took under five minutes. The person - again, wearing Maleficent zogabongs - who gave me my ticket didn't bother to ask me where I'd like to sit. Maybe they're learning! Neither did she replace my voucher - maybe they don't on weekends. Never mind, I still have a spare. I missed the screen and had to double back - I haven't been in this one before. And this time, I almost sat where I was assigned - unlike the other screens, this one doesn't have an aisle separating the seats in front, which is where I tend to like to sit, for the leg-room. And the front row was too close. I might, in fact, have sat exactly where I was assigned, except that it was right in front of someone else. So I sat right in front of that, instead.
Well, this is a 166min marathon. But you know, it's surprisingly interesting. It follows the main character through 12 years of his life, actually filmed over 12 years, a bit each year. I have to keep reminding myself that they didn't have to source several different child actors - these are the same people! The director knew what he was doing - the years focussed on are from 6 to 18, which must see the most dramatic change of anyone's life. The boy of the title starts off the film in elementary school, progresses through high school, gets and loses a girlfriend, find an interest in life, goes off to study that at college, and the film ends on his first day there. We get the standard milestones - he starts to drink and smoke cannabis, gets bullied. We also get some not-so-usual milestones, as his mother (Patricia Arquette) goes through a succession of unsuccessful marriages (she separates from his father, Ethan Hawke, before the film starts), and house moves, and we get to see some unsavoury family situations. Also his evolving relationship with his sister, played by the director's real-life daughter. You can really see the resemblance to the director as she grows up.
It features Linklater's naturalistic style, of course - I had to keep wondering whether the shots were scripted, or just loosely. So if you liked the Before trilogy, you'll probably like this. It being so long, I was kind of glad when it came to an end, but all through I was just fascinated to see what would happen next. Oh, and what the main character would look like, as his appearance kept changing. Yeah, it's good - I do think you need to be a Linklater fan to really appreciate it. And, for obvious reasons, I don't think this style of filmmaking will really catch on.
Bought dinner on the way home, and am currently eating a Sainsbury's cottage pie. Can't really recommend it - tasty, but it's at least half mash.
So, if tomorrow is a film - which looks likely - it's like to be Begin Again. Starring Mark Ruffalo as a disgraced music industry executive, and Keira Knightly as an up-and-coming musician (oh, and also featuring Mos Def), it looks good, and is, again, showing in my local cinema. And hopefully, next time I'll get a replacement voucher.. for Tuesday, I've already booked (because booking was heavy) for a Dennis Potter play double bill at the BFI.
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Film: Cold in July
Moseyed off down the road this evening, in light rain, to my local cinema, for the early evening showing of Cold in July. The nice lady again gave me a replacement for the voucher I gave her, which means I still have an extra one for emergencies. She then chose a seat for me, which meant, obviously, that when I went in, I sat somewhere completely different.
I read an interesting review of this film in the last Evening Standard, which does film reviews on Fridays - and it's pretty much right on the money. Of course, it's set in Texas. To be fair, I've never yet been there, but it does have the reputation of being the most trigger-happy state of the Union. The basic story is that an upstanding citizen - Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under), married to Vinessa Shaw, keeps a gun that belonged to his father, but never actually uses it. He confronts a burglar with it one night, panics, his finger slips, and he accidentally shoots the guy dead. Unfortunately, it seems that the dead man's father - a shaven-headed and menacing Ben Shepard - has just been paroled from prison, and comes looking for revenge. HOWEVER - our upstanding citizen discovers that the cops are definitely up to something, and ends up investigating further with the assistance of an old army buddy of Ben's, now turned private investigator - a delightfully OTT Don Johnson.
It's set in 1989, which allows the story to progress without people finding out stuff for themselves on the internet, so they need someone like Don Johnson. However, the setting also allows them to include the most rockin' soundtrack (literally). Observe the quaint period touches - clunky phones attached to the wall: payphones: a satellite phone (Don Johnson's, of course!) that comes with a small satchel attached - presumably for the battery: VHS. Don Johnson, of course, is in his element - a now-wrinklier version of Sonny Crockett.
It's beautifully made. The direction is terrific, the acting is terrific, the action scenes really scary. The score, as I say, is fantastic. As the newspaper review also pointed out, the last third of the film is just wish-fulfilment; basically, our upstanding citizen learns how to be a real man, and protect his family with a gun. That doesn't detract, however, from how well made it is - it's (generally) a joy to watch, even if you don't really appreciate the ending message.
Tomorrow, The Golden Dream, most likely..
I read an interesting review of this film in the last Evening Standard, which does film reviews on Fridays - and it's pretty much right on the money. Of course, it's set in Texas. To be fair, I've never yet been there, but it does have the reputation of being the most trigger-happy state of the Union. The basic story is that an upstanding citizen - Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under), married to Vinessa Shaw, keeps a gun that belonged to his father, but never actually uses it. He confronts a burglar with it one night, panics, his finger slips, and he accidentally shoots the guy dead. Unfortunately, it seems that the dead man's father - a shaven-headed and menacing Ben Shepard - has just been paroled from prison, and comes looking for revenge. HOWEVER - our upstanding citizen discovers that the cops are definitely up to something, and ends up investigating further with the assistance of an old army buddy of Ben's, now turned private investigator - a delightfully OTT Don Johnson.
It's set in 1989, which allows the story to progress without people finding out stuff for themselves on the internet, so they need someone like Don Johnson. However, the setting also allows them to include the most rockin' soundtrack (literally). Observe the quaint period touches - clunky phones attached to the wall: payphones: a satellite phone (Don Johnson's, of course!) that comes with a small satchel attached - presumably for the battery: VHS. Don Johnson, of course, is in his element - a now-wrinklier version of Sonny Crockett.
It's beautifully made. The direction is terrific, the acting is terrific, the action scenes really scary. The score, as I say, is fantastic. As the newspaper review also pointed out, the last third of the film is just wish-fulfilment; basically, our upstanding citizen learns how to be a real man, and protect his family with a gun. That doesn't detract, however, from how well made it is - it's (generally) a joy to watch, even if you don't really appreciate the ending message.
Tomorrow, The Golden Dream, most likely..
Monday, 23 June 2014
Film: Belle
I liked the look of the trailer for Belle, but, as usual, it depended on how it was rated on IMDB. And, while it had a good rating, it just wasn't good enough last week - 7.3, where I was struggling to get through the films rated 8 and above! And then, its rating rose to 7.4, and more to the point, I eliminated 44 films from the top of this week's film list, because they weren't showing today! not at a time I could make, anyway. And so, I was down to Belle.
It's showing at my local Vue cinema, so I could walk. It's been mild all day, but overcast, and sure enough, when I opened the door to leave for the cinema this evening, it was raining. Never mind, I had a hood - and was going to be late if I changed. So off I went. My coat was nicely wet by the time I got there, but what the hey. I handed in a Vue voucher when I was getting my ticket - didn't realise it was the expired one, but she took it anyway and gave me a replacement. So now I have two.
Despite having chosen my seat, I still preferred the one beside it. Go figure. Anyway, the place was quite empty. I was just in time for the trailers - nothing caught my eye. And then we were into the film. Based on real-life events, this is the story of (Dido Elizabeth) Belle, the illegitimate daughter of a British naval officer and a black woman, born c. 1761. Her father brings her back to England, to the care of his uncle, Lord Mansfield, the Lord Chief Justice - played by Tom Wilkinson. He and his wife - Emily Watson - take her in as a playmate for their other great-niece - Sarah Gadon, also seen in The Moth Diaries, where she played Lucy, and A Dangerous Method, where she played Jung's wife. She's about the same age, and has lived with them since the death of her mother. They have a liberated attitude towards "mulattos" and have her educated to the highest standards - in all respects, they treat her just like her cousin.
Until the girls grow up, of course, and Belle's cousin is in the marriage market. Belle, however, is in a tricky position - she is not considered good enough to marry into her father's family's class, but too good to marry beneath it. And what she most fears is ending up like Lord Mansfield's spinster sister - Penelope Wilton - who keeps house for him, but leads a lonely life. But things start to look up when the sons of Lady Ashcroft - Miranda Richardson - start to show an interest in the girls. Also hovering in the wings is a young man by the name of John Davinier. In real life, he was a gentlemen's steward - here, he's an ambitious young lawyer working with Lord Mansfield, who's currently considering the important case of the massacre of slaves aboard the trading ship Zong.
Firstly, it looks stunning. The sets, the grand houses, the costumes, are breathtaking. While the manners of the film at first seem stilted, they are true to the period, and are soon lost in the drama of events. Minor liberties are taken with the facts - as I say, John Davinier wasn't a lawyer. Also, Belle's cousin was hardly penniless, as in the film, and Belle, in real life, received not a penny from her father - it was Lord Mansfield who provided for her. But, you know, why let the truth get in the way of a good story? And this is one such. You get a vivid sense of how frustrating it must have been for her - leading a privileged life, but unable to participate in it fully. The only others of her colour that she saw were of a much lower social standing. Her story plays out against the backdrop of the abolition of slavery in the United Kingdom - exciting times, and you do get a sense, in this film, of being on the brink of something very new.
Absolutely better than your average corset-and-wig drama. Recommended.
With standing tickets only available for Skylight for the next couple of days, it's a film again tomorrow - I have a choice of two. The winner, I think, will be Camille Claudel, the story of Auguste Rodin's lover, who went mad. The 1988 version with Isabelle Adjani and Gérard Depardieu - not the remake with Juliette Binoche, which isn't supposed to be as good. A long film, but promising. And I get it for free - it's only showing at the Odeon Panton Street, and I've earned enough Odeon points for a free film. Finally..
It's showing at my local Vue cinema, so I could walk. It's been mild all day, but overcast, and sure enough, when I opened the door to leave for the cinema this evening, it was raining. Never mind, I had a hood - and was going to be late if I changed. So off I went. My coat was nicely wet by the time I got there, but what the hey. I handed in a Vue voucher when I was getting my ticket - didn't realise it was the expired one, but she took it anyway and gave me a replacement. So now I have two.
Despite having chosen my seat, I still preferred the one beside it. Go figure. Anyway, the place was quite empty. I was just in time for the trailers - nothing caught my eye. And then we were into the film. Based on real-life events, this is the story of (Dido Elizabeth) Belle, the illegitimate daughter of a British naval officer and a black woman, born c. 1761. Her father brings her back to England, to the care of his uncle, Lord Mansfield, the Lord Chief Justice - played by Tom Wilkinson. He and his wife - Emily Watson - take her in as a playmate for their other great-niece - Sarah Gadon, also seen in The Moth Diaries, where she played Lucy, and A Dangerous Method, where she played Jung's wife. She's about the same age, and has lived with them since the death of her mother. They have a liberated attitude towards "mulattos" and have her educated to the highest standards - in all respects, they treat her just like her cousin.
Until the girls grow up, of course, and Belle's cousin is in the marriage market. Belle, however, is in a tricky position - she is not considered good enough to marry into her father's family's class, but too good to marry beneath it. And what she most fears is ending up like Lord Mansfield's spinster sister - Penelope Wilton - who keeps house for him, but leads a lonely life. But things start to look up when the sons of Lady Ashcroft - Miranda Richardson - start to show an interest in the girls. Also hovering in the wings is a young man by the name of John Davinier. In real life, he was a gentlemen's steward - here, he's an ambitious young lawyer working with Lord Mansfield, who's currently considering the important case of the massacre of slaves aboard the trading ship Zong.
Firstly, it looks stunning. The sets, the grand houses, the costumes, are breathtaking. While the manners of the film at first seem stilted, they are true to the period, and are soon lost in the drama of events. Minor liberties are taken with the facts - as I say, John Davinier wasn't a lawyer. Also, Belle's cousin was hardly penniless, as in the film, and Belle, in real life, received not a penny from her father - it was Lord Mansfield who provided for her. But, you know, why let the truth get in the way of a good story? And this is one such. You get a vivid sense of how frustrating it must have been for her - leading a privileged life, but unable to participate in it fully. The only others of her colour that she saw were of a much lower social standing. Her story plays out against the backdrop of the abolition of slavery in the United Kingdom - exciting times, and you do get a sense, in this film, of being on the brink of something very new.
Absolutely better than your average corset-and-wig drama. Recommended.
With standing tickets only available for Skylight for the next couple of days, it's a film again tomorrow - I have a choice of two. The winner, I think, will be Camille Claudel, the story of Auguste Rodin's lover, who went mad. The 1988 version with Isabelle Adjani and Gérard Depardieu - not the remake with Juliette Binoche, which isn't supposed to be as good. A long film, but promising. And I get it for free - it's only showing at the Odeon Panton Street, and I've earned enough Odeon points for a free film. Finally..
Wednesday, 4 June 2014
Film: Edge of Tomorrow
Edge of Tomorrow has been hovering on my film radar since its release, last Friday. But, since then, I've been otherwise engaged. Friday, I went to see Hard Façade, which I've had booked for a month. Naturally - wouldn't miss 'em, if I get the chance. Saturday, I got the chance to see the excellent Wolf Hall. Sunday, I did go to a film, but it was the higher rated Lakshmi, which, frankly, wasn't worth it - not in comparison, anyhow. Monday, I was in Guildford, and not up to anything by the time I got back. And I was planning to go see it yesterday, but I got a free ticket to Black Coffee.. and so it was that I waited until tonight to see Edge of Tomorrow!
There was no trouble getting a ticket, so I just sauntered along to my local cinema this evening - when I managed to drag myself off the couch, where I was very comfy indeed. The day hadn't been able to decide what to do with itself, but it decided to be beautifully sunny - if a bit cold - as I walked to the cinema. I was a bit late - and, of course, the usual long queues greeted me at the cinema tills. I'd get my ticket from the machines, except for the voucher scheme. I noticed one of the people behind the counter had donned what looked like devil's horns on her hairband - I realised, eventually, that it was a nod to the film Maleficent, in which Angelina Jolie wears them as the bad fairy. Actually, they' be great for Hallowe'en!
Finally - after only four minutes, it's easy to count when the time is prominently displayed on screens in plain view - it was my turn and I asked for a ticket to Edge of Tomorrow. When she asked where I wanted to sit - middle or back (does anyone ever ask for the front?) - I said "middle", knowing full well that whatever seat she gave me, I would take one in the row that opens onto the horizontal aisle, with all that legroom. I could've said that, but figured, given the number of free seats still available that was also displayed on those screens, there wouldn't be a rush. She took my voucher and said she'd give me another, but then couldn't find them - so she advised me to go ahead so I wouldn't miss my film, and to come back afterwards for it.
Indeed, although there were a number of people there, the cinema was far from full, and I had no trouble taking a seat in the row I wanted. The trailers were, uniformly, for films I'd rather go blind than see - crap-looking sci-fi, and 22 Jump Street - but it wasn't long before the film started. Right then! First impressions - o my goodness, we're back at D-Day! The enemy forces have conquered most of continental Europe. Brendan Gleeson is the incorrigible general leading the allied invasion, which is imminent, and scheduled to attack - surprise, surprise - via the beaches of northern France. Operations are being directed from London, Trafalgar Square is a helicopter landing pad (cue some gorgeous aerial shots), and Heathrow is a military camp. Gee guys, did anyone notice that the 70th anniversary of D-Day is imminent, I wonder? Hmm.
Only this time, the enemy forces are aliens. Enter our hero, Tom Cruise, who works in PR for the military. Never seen active service, and doesn't want to. Only Brendan Gleeson has this idea of having him giving live reports from the front. "Oh no," says Tom. In short, they argue, Brendan Gleeson has him arrested, he runs away, they catch him and knock him out with a high-tech stun gun, and the next thing he knows, he's in with the new recruits, and his master sergeant, a gleefully vindictive Bill Paxton, has been told he's a deserter who was impersonating an officer.
I read a review of this recently that praised Tom's comic acting, and they're right. You feel every moment of his confusion, his frustration, his fear, his disbelief that no-one will believe him when he explains who he is. Anyway, he ends up in the invasion force - it's a slaughter, the aliens knew they were coming (and very scary, fast-moving, many-legged things they are, too) - and it's not too much of a spoiler to say that he gets killed fairly quickly. But he kills the alien too, which lands on top of him and bleeds all over him, and he swallows some.
..which is how he comes to wake up in the military camp again, reliving the same day. (We discover the whys and wherefores - kind of - later on.) Anyway, same thing happens, roughly, and he dies again. And wakes up again. And again. And again. Anyway, he runs into Emily Blunt (now a blonde), who's a special forces officer, and realises what's happening to him, because it happened to her too. (She gets a clue when he starts predicting things.) She's very good at fighting aliens, and has earned herself the charming epithet of "Full Metal Bitch". So she teaches him to fight well enough to stay alive a bit longer, and off we go.
What this most reminded me of was a videogame. Any old videogame. Basic principle: you keep getting killed until you figure out how not to. So you turn left instead of right at some point, and you stay alive - for maybe another five minutes. And then you get killed again. And every time, you have to restart and go through a number of familiar steps. We see this for a while in the film, then they figure we'll get bored, and they fast-forward to the new bit each time. Really, it takes a lot of attempts.
The review I read complained about the unnecessary frisson between Tom and Emily, and they have a point - in particular, I didn't buy the ending, which was very pat - but, as he said, it's not too distracting. Indeed, Tom is at his most charming, and there is a chemistry between them. Actually though, for my money, I think there's more sheer enjoyment in Godzilla, if you're looking for something like this. Despite the non-existent acting in that. But it is a good film.
Of course, when I came out, the person who had said she'd give me another voucher was nowhere to be seen. The queues were as long as ever, everyone was busy, and I still have a spare, so I skipped it.
Tomorrow is looking like another film, and top of the list is Omar, a Middle Eastern love story, showing in the Odeon Covent Garden. Don't think I've ever been to that one. As usual, watch this space. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend.
There was no trouble getting a ticket, so I just sauntered along to my local cinema this evening - when I managed to drag myself off the couch, where I was very comfy indeed. The day hadn't been able to decide what to do with itself, but it decided to be beautifully sunny - if a bit cold - as I walked to the cinema. I was a bit late - and, of course, the usual long queues greeted me at the cinema tills. I'd get my ticket from the machines, except for the voucher scheme. I noticed one of the people behind the counter had donned what looked like devil's horns on her hairband - I realised, eventually, that it was a nod to the film Maleficent, in which Angelina Jolie wears them as the bad fairy. Actually, they' be great for Hallowe'en!
Finally - after only four minutes, it's easy to count when the time is prominently displayed on screens in plain view - it was my turn and I asked for a ticket to Edge of Tomorrow. When she asked where I wanted to sit - middle or back (does anyone ever ask for the front?) - I said "middle", knowing full well that whatever seat she gave me, I would take one in the row that opens onto the horizontal aisle, with all that legroom. I could've said that, but figured, given the number of free seats still available that was also displayed on those screens, there wouldn't be a rush. She took my voucher and said she'd give me another, but then couldn't find them - so she advised me to go ahead so I wouldn't miss my film, and to come back afterwards for it.
Indeed, although there were a number of people there, the cinema was far from full, and I had no trouble taking a seat in the row I wanted. The trailers were, uniformly, for films I'd rather go blind than see - crap-looking sci-fi, and 22 Jump Street - but it wasn't long before the film started. Right then! First impressions - o my goodness, we're back at D-Day! The enemy forces have conquered most of continental Europe. Brendan Gleeson is the incorrigible general leading the allied invasion, which is imminent, and scheduled to attack - surprise, surprise - via the beaches of northern France. Operations are being directed from London, Trafalgar Square is a helicopter landing pad (cue some gorgeous aerial shots), and Heathrow is a military camp. Gee guys, did anyone notice that the 70th anniversary of D-Day is imminent, I wonder? Hmm.
Only this time, the enemy forces are aliens. Enter our hero, Tom Cruise, who works in PR for the military. Never seen active service, and doesn't want to. Only Brendan Gleeson has this idea of having him giving live reports from the front. "Oh no," says Tom. In short, they argue, Brendan Gleeson has him arrested, he runs away, they catch him and knock him out with a high-tech stun gun, and the next thing he knows, he's in with the new recruits, and his master sergeant, a gleefully vindictive Bill Paxton, has been told he's a deserter who was impersonating an officer.
I read a review of this recently that praised Tom's comic acting, and they're right. You feel every moment of his confusion, his frustration, his fear, his disbelief that no-one will believe him when he explains who he is. Anyway, he ends up in the invasion force - it's a slaughter, the aliens knew they were coming (and very scary, fast-moving, many-legged things they are, too) - and it's not too much of a spoiler to say that he gets killed fairly quickly. But he kills the alien too, which lands on top of him and bleeds all over him, and he swallows some.
..which is how he comes to wake up in the military camp again, reliving the same day. (We discover the whys and wherefores - kind of - later on.) Anyway, same thing happens, roughly, and he dies again. And wakes up again. And again. And again. Anyway, he runs into Emily Blunt (now a blonde), who's a special forces officer, and realises what's happening to him, because it happened to her too. (She gets a clue when he starts predicting things.) She's very good at fighting aliens, and has earned herself the charming epithet of "Full Metal Bitch". So she teaches him to fight well enough to stay alive a bit longer, and off we go.
What this most reminded me of was a videogame. Any old videogame. Basic principle: you keep getting killed until you figure out how not to. So you turn left instead of right at some point, and you stay alive - for maybe another five minutes. And then you get killed again. And every time, you have to restart and go through a number of familiar steps. We see this for a while in the film, then they figure we'll get bored, and they fast-forward to the new bit each time. Really, it takes a lot of attempts.
The review I read complained about the unnecessary frisson between Tom and Emily, and they have a point - in particular, I didn't buy the ending, which was very pat - but, as he said, it's not too distracting. Indeed, Tom is at his most charming, and there is a chemistry between them. Actually though, for my money, I think there's more sheer enjoyment in Godzilla, if you're looking for something like this. Despite the non-existent acting in that. But it is a good film.
Of course, when I came out, the person who had said she'd give me another voucher was nowhere to be seen. The queues were as long as ever, everyone was busy, and I still have a spare, so I skipped it.
Tomorrow is looking like another film, and top of the list is Omar, a Middle Eastern love story, showing in the Odeon Covent Garden. Don't think I've ever been to that one. As usual, watch this space. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend.
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