Keep an eye out for these gems!

The last few days I’ve come across some really good films on television, largely by complete accident.

As it turns out, they are very good, so I thought it would be useful to pass these on so you can enjoy them aswell!

The first film I came across is called ‘Easy Virtue‘, which I only stumbled across because I thought it was a 30 minute programme before the repeat of Frozen Planet. It turned out to be an hour and a half gem of a romantic comedy. Despite the fact I had never heard of it before, it has a great cast including Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Jessica Biel. As you might of guessed from the cast, it is a typical British ‘stiff upper lip’ challenged by an American outsider.

Easy Virtue Poster

Don’t let this put you off. This part is easily forgiven when you get into the, relatively easy, storyline. In fact, the performance from Firth is excellent, although I would say the part played by Scott Thomas, the hard worn woman, is a little overplayed now.

The highlight for me is an amusing input from ‘My Family’ and ‘Love Actually’ actor Kris Marshall, playing a ‘lurch’ like performance of the family butler named “Furber”; and the up and coming star Kimberley Nixon, of recent ‘Fresh Meat’.

Later on, and the next film presented took a complete u-turn.

“23 Paces to Baker Street“, is a 50′s mystery / thriller. It follows the story of blind american playwright, attempting to find a kidnapped child.

Stick with me on this one.

The charming poster for the film.

As preposterous as it sounds, the police do not enter to help, and the story unfolds with the playwrights butler and ex-fiancée intend to discover the kidnappers.

I’ll be honest. At first I didn’t think I’d be interested in this at all, firstly because I knew nothing about it. But once you get into the film, it does have elements of Hitchcock in there, particularly films like “The Man Who Knew Too Much“. Whilst it is hard to believe the acting of the ‘blind’ playwright, it is easily forgiven. After all, aren’t films about verisimilitude – the suspension of disbelief.

I’m thoroughly glad I caught this film, and if it doesn’t appear on TV for sometime, no doubt it will be available in an online ‘bargain bin’, for next to nothing.

I really recommend these two films – its an excellent way to spend a free afternoon.

Keep an eye out!

Before I leave, I’ll point out that from the 10th of December, Film4 will be showcasing their Studio Ghibli Season.

I’ve never seen any work from this myself, and was only made aware of the name Studio Ghibli about 2 weeks ago. It looks incredible, so I’ll definitely be watching this. Hopefully you will too!

Are there any obscure films, recent or otherwise, that you think we should know about? Share it!

 

Impromptu Movie Night…

I live in a flat with 5 other people, and yesterday provided a empty evening for all of us, with little money to spare.

As such, we made the decision to stay in and make a night of it and have a bite to eat, and watch a film.

Preparations get going

I live in quite an ‘international’ flat (Singapore, America, Spain), which means when my friends cook, its really good stuff. Certainly something to take advantage of! I know I shouldn’t pander to the stereotype of British cooking ability, but mine is non-existant. So, I took charge of buying ice-cream for dessert and offering up my DVD’s.

On the cooking front, it is great to get involved and do what little you can to help, nobody cares if you do something wrong, its only going one way, and usually tastes good!

Get involved!

Looking through what DVD’s we could watch, I was hinting towards a viewing of David Lynch’s: “The Elephant Man“. This didn’t go down too well with my flatmates though. I was disappointed, The Elephant Man is one of my favourite films, but I can understand why its not one to watch for entertainment on a Saturday night. Its quite a heavy film, not least on the emotional front. So, we decided upon “The Social Network“. I saw this at the cinema when it was released and very much enjoyed it. I can’t say the same for the second time around. It seems so long and ‘stodgy’, I can honestly say that I don’t want to see it again for a very long time.

The reason for the headache...

Of course, once that finished we carried on chatting with what drink we had flowing down, inevitably leading to drinking games…

It was a great night, and we all had a cracking time. Save for a bit of a headache the next morning, this was all done on a budget of about £15 (we all threw a few quid in for drink), and if you don’t mind drinking cheap stuff, you are all set. Genuinely this is one of the few times I’ve had a good time whilst spending very minimally.

Let me know about your experiences, it would be great to hear what stories you have to share!

Doctor Who – The Worst Adaptions to Film

If your not a Doctor Who fan, then you’re probably not going to be too bothered with this post.

But it has been revealed by Steven Moffat that “any Doctor Who movie would NOT be a Hollywood reboot”!

Steven Moffat

I think this is a great thing, but more than likely, on the face of it, only for fans of Doctor Who. But who knows, if a film goes to cinema release, hopefully it can be brought to an even wider audience with the same great creative team they have at the moment.

But thats the problem…. at the moment.

Its well known that the film is a number of years away, and this presents a problem. At least I think it does. Its not guaranteed that the current Doctor or assistant will still be involved in the tv series when  if it goes out, which in all honesty probably won’t work.

Once again, I reference our good friend ‘The Simpsons Movie”. The film was made simultaneously with the series, which means as plots in the TV series were developed, parts of the film were ‘stuck in the past’ – an aspect of why many people did not like the film.

This leads me to wonder what could be the worst 3 film adaptions to be produced…

1. Inspector Gadget- I used to love the animation when I was much younger, always watching it before heading out to school. The film on the other hand was simply awful. A ‘glorious’ concoction of sickening acting from Matthew Broderick and the abomination that is Rupert Everett.
   

   "Inspector Gadget"

   
   

2. Scooby-Doo – Generally an awful film here, laden with terrible effects. But once again, we are greeted by another on-screen duo, Freddie Prinze Jr and Sarah Michelle Gellar – a combination I never wish to see again. A quote from IGN movies/Scooby himself here: “Rabsolutely Ruckin Rit“.
   

   "Scooby Doo"

3. Thunderbirds – The less said about this one, the better. Largely critiqued because you shouldn’t adapt an original which starred puppets, to one starring humans. Another terriblecreation here, further cemented by the fact that long lost band ‘Busted’ provided the soundtrack.
   

   "Thunderbirds"

What do you think? Let me know what you think are the worst, or indeed, best film adaptions. Always good to hear your views!

And tonight Matthew, I’m going to be….

Today I have 22 year old Jenna Stevens writing a guest blog for me. Jenna is a 3rd year student of Digital Media Production, studying at Arts University College Bournemouth.

Jenna is currently writing a script, and much like my ethos of doing things on a budget, she too shares a similar problem at the moment…

On a strict budget!

“I love film and although I have made a few short films before the majority of them have been documentaries so for this project I have chosen to make a short fiction film as film is my personal favourite medium of story telling. While writing the script I began to advertise online for actors and ask around for possible crew. When looking at locations to shoot I am obviously restricted due to my low budget and therefore this had to be considered before writing the script. The budget is made up of the bare essentials (such as props, crew and personnel expenses and equipment) due to it being funded by my over-draft.

The script is around 8-9 minutes long but I have chosen to produce this scene from it first in order to explore the possibilities and fix any problems which I have come across. I had trouble getting actors for the scene due to them working for free they tend to be unreliable and therefore I had to make sure I had at least 2 actors for each character as backup.

Once I have completed this scene I will be distributing it to certain websites, competitions and other schemes in order to get funding for me to produce the rest of the script early next year and eventually enter it into film festivals.”

I recommend you check out Jenna’s Vimeo channel, there is some wonderful stuff on there that will hopefully get you inspired to create some film of your own.

Inspired??

And if you have any questions, you can contact Jenna on: jennaldstevens@gmail.com.

Easily Offended?

The internet in my flat was down yesterday, which left me little else to do than read and watch what few DVD’s I have.

Searching for a DVD to watch I came across one I’d borrowed from a friend a long time ago, but had never watched. The title?

‘The Aristocrats‘

The DVD comes with a large red sticker: "WARNING! CONTAINS CRUDE SEXUAL HUMOUR & VERY STRONG LANGUAGE"

I warn you, this is not the cuddly Disney film about a family of cats. In fact, it couldn’t be further from this. Its difficult to describe, but I’ll give it a shot. Essentially, 100 comedians share the same joke, but told in wholly different ways. And that is it. But before you go to find it, I’ll just say the joke is one of the crudest, filthy, and borderline disturbing jokes I’ve ever heard.

And I loved it. Its reminiscent of comedians such as Frankie Boyle. Its the type of comedy I like, that’s all.

Just in case you are interested, here is the trailer for the film. (It doesn’t contain anything ‘bad’). But if it does interest you, I urge you to watch it!!

This is really a precursor to what happened later that evening. Settling down for dinner, I turned on to BBC 1 to watch ‘The One Show’, knowing that Jeremy Clarkson was appearing. Being a fan of Clarkson, I had a Nostradamus moment, and predicted what happened near perfectly.

The man 'In Question'.

Here is part of the comments he made on the show, which must have been anticipated. And of course, a flood of complaints of followed.

My question is WHY have a guest like Jeremy Clarkson on a programme such as ‘The One Show’, which is a topical, magazine style show for families, who are arguably easy to offend? By now most people should be aware of the controversial nature of Clarkson.

If anybody is to blame, it should be the BBC for bringing him on as a guest. Its like someone watching the film I recommended above, and then complaining to me that they are offended, despite warnings!!

 

Doctor Who? Doctor No!!

I’ll admit, I’m a little slow on the up-take here, but its just occurred to me that there are plans to make a Doctor Who movie…

WHAT!?

I’m not the biggest Doctor Who fan in the world, but the last couple of series have caught my attention, so always make sure the parents Sky Plus it for when I’m home for holidays.

The current Doctor: Matt Smith

Welcoming any chance to have a rant at something I disapprove of – here’s my 5 reasons why this film should be left on the cutting room floor.

1. Reading the BBC article, David Yates (director of several Harry Potter films), who is developing the film – wants to take a fresh approach as the film needs a “radical transformation“. Please, don’t fix something thats not broken!!
2. Doctor Who is in no way like Harry Potter (in my opinion), and needs to be treated as such!
3. Stephen Moffat is a great writer himself – let a great run continue!
4. I think its popularity overseas (particularly in America), is because it is distinctly British (good news for anglophiles). I have a terrible feeling that putting it into cinemas worldwide might not acheive the desired effect.
5. We all know when TV shows get ambitious. If you’ve seen ‘The Simpsons Movie’, you’ll know what I mean – pretty appauling. Do we want Doctor Who to go the same way??

A shot from 'The Simpson Movie'.

I hope this gets put on hold for the forseeable future – at least wait for it to fall out of popularity before you give it a re-boot!!

 

And the budget strikes…

A terrible realisation occurred to me today… I have no money.

Unless you have some generous (or wealthy) friends, its unlikely you’ll be visiting a cinema anytime soon. Or at least, this is the situation I face.

Strapped for cash!

Fear not!

Whilst I await my next bundle of cash from student finance, there are plenty of things to do to keep you occupied.

Immediate saviour comes from friend to all, the TV. Watching broadcasts live and you ‘should’ be paying the annual licence fee, but catch up TV online, like BBC iPlayer, is free – fantastic!

Check out Film4. Often a great place to catch both mainstream and off-beat films. At the moment is there “British Connection” season. British film has really come in to its own recently.

“The King’s Speech” might spring to mind, but on Monday night I came across a film called “Bronson“. I’d never heard of this one before, but it completely took me by surprise. Anyone who has seen “Inception” will recognise the lead character as Tom Hardy, a great British actor rising through the ranks of stardom.

Tom Hardy - Picture by Vanessa Lua

The film is quite hard hitting, but with quality acting and plenty of food for thought. I recommend it.

Film4oD (On Demand) – do charge to rent a film, from around £2.49 for a less known or older film, up to around £3.99 for newer films. I can’t afford this luxury, but if you can, you can watch online or download it for later viewing.

Failing that, squat in a friend or family members living room for the evening and usurp their television. They’ll understand…

 

 

Top 3 for Popcorn or Pinot…

Going on the title of my blog, I thought it a little hypocritical of me not to suggest some films that are best suited to a bucket of the sweet (or salty) stuff, or a big glass of vino.

A train ride home to my town of Ashburton, Devon, gave me the perfect opportunity. So here is a list of 3 films that you can enjoy with either: enjoy!

Popcorn…

V for Vendetta – A personal favourite of mine, this film never fails to enrage me against the government, albeit a scripted one. Some great action sequences in here, as well as fantastic performances. An intense ride throughout which still gives you food for though at the end.

The Worlds Fastest Indian – A very different role for one Anthony Hopkins. A simple film, which delivers everything a traditional feel good movie should. So you might not need the sweet popcorn after all, but if anything its a pleasure to see Hopkins play a very different role, and not tucking into a human liver…

In Bruges – A dark comedy with strong moral hints on this occasion featuring great actors such as Brendan Gleeson; Ralph Fiennes and Colin Farrell. Again, not a particularly challenging film, but very easily drawn in to the storyline. This is one I didn’t want to end, with an ending that leads to disappoint?? I’ll let you decide.

Pinot…

Fantasia – One of the most beautiful, and haunting films I have ever seen. A totally different experience relaxing with a glass, compared to my introduction to it as a child. Favourite, (and scariest) sequence, is Night on Bald Mountain / Ave Maria.

You, The Living – A film from Sweden. This one had me laughing almost all the way through, and it is listed as a comedy. Read the reviews however, and numerous people would disagree with me that is a comedy. This is the joy of film however, that we can enjoy and take it as our own. At the very least, an interesting film.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – A truly incredible film, which will have you singing all the way through. Its pointless bringing popcorn along to this, it will end up everywhere except your mouth. From personal experience, wine (alcohol in general), helps with numerous awkward movements, i.e. The Time Warp…

There we go! The list isn’t exhaustive, and please, if you have any experiences, or particular films that you want to suggest,  let me know!!

Until the next time!

Jewish Film Festival: The celebrities didn’t show!

Ok, so I’m being a little dramatic here. Perhaps I should explain.

Im a bit behind on this one, but the 1st November marked the opening night of the UK Jewish Film Festival. Forgive me but once again, we do return to Leicester Square. On this occasion, its the Odeon West End (just across from Odeon Leicester Square…)

Odeon West End

It is here that they were previewing the opening film starring Sean Penn, called ‘This Must Be The Place‘. And it was far from a red carpet event. But nonetheless, it was anticipated that a number of celebrities would be attending the event, including Mr Penn himself.

I’ll cut to the chase, I didn’t see him. This isn’t to say he didn’t attend. It was cold to say the least, and gave up after hanging around for 30 minutes after the ‘start’ of the film. Indeed, I could have gone in to watch the film, but at £65 for a ticket, I decided to pass and go for the cheaper option.

And you know, it was great fun!

It was incredibly interesting to speak to all the fans and photographers outside, all giving stories about the bitchiest and nicest celebrities. As well as tips to get the best snap of a celeb or get their autograph.

David Schneider

A poor attempt, granted, but here is a picture I manage to get of David Schneider (I’m Alan Partride, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme). Not the best, I know. But I still got to exchange pleasantries with Steven Berkoff (General Orlov in Octopussy).

Yes, waiting was involved, but this is a great thing to do when the funds are getting low, and you never know who will turn up. Its great to utilise being in London. Plenty of websites will tell you when premieres are happening.

The most important discovery through this festival? The cinemas. The festival lasts until the 20th November, and will be screening films at an array of independent cinemas that I have not heard of. I intend to visit as many as possible.

For more  information on the festival, search: UK Jewish Film.

Until the next time!

Opening Titles

Its the first post, and I’m going to start from the very top – what we can expect from the mainstream cinemas.

This outing brings me to Leicester Square, and if you didn’t know, it is awash with cinemas, and plenty of other Londoner’s, tourists, and anyone else you can think of. Also not helped by the road works right in the centre….

Leicester Square Tube Station (Photo by C. Ford)

So its a bit of a push to get through the crowds – the place always seems monstrously busy. But it’s a 2 minute walk at most to the venue of choice – the Odeon cinema, nothing strenuous.

Personally I arrive at the cinema quite a bit before the start of the film. Firstly, I’m liable to take a wrong bus, or secondly, the tube will cock up. Luckily, Leicester Square is full of things to do before hand, although being a popular place, prices don’t come cheap!

Just a bit further along past Leicester Square, near Piccadilly Circus, is the London Trocadero. This is a massive place, full of shops, entertainment arcades, as well as a Cineworld cinema, bars, casino’s and plenty of places to eat and drink.

London Trocadero

On this occasion however, my stomach led the way, which brought me to Yates’s, just next to the Odeon cinema. Timing is useful with regard to food, as you can pick up some good deals. This time I caught the Lunch & Drink deal, for £6.25, quite reasonable when the price of a pint of Peroni at ‘All Bar One’, across the road costs £4.25.

So for the main event – the cinema itself.

The film I went to see, was Tin Tin – 3D. 3D prices tend to come at a premium at the best of times, however, with my student card, the cheapest ticket was £12.50. This includes a £1.oo charge for the glasses. REMEMBER! Keep hold of them! That way you can use them the next time you watch a 3D film.

Odeon Cinema - Leicester Square

I am always impressed by the size of the cinema. The decor inside gives a real sense of ‘drama’, and with the screen having both stalls as well as a balcony, the notion of a traditional theatre is achieved.

Nonetheless, it was a challenge to walk to my seat, sticking to the floor being the difficulty, dodging rubbish along the way as well. Equally challenging was the choice in seat – a ‘tasteful’ leopard print.

While the cinema is impressive, it does not detract from the price of tickets and food alike. Cinemas buy in popcorn for roughly 31p for a small size, including box (source: BBC Watchdog). Not truly reflected in prices for the customer when a medium popcorn and drink costs a massive £7.50. Note to self, bring your own food and drink.

Certainly, a place to start. But I’m very confident we can do better. If you have any suggestions where I should go, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Until the the next time!