It seems that Twitter is all anyone is talking about lately and the journalism world is no exception.
According to the Press Gazette, editor of businesszone.co.uk Dan Martin, has announced that he is only going to be accepting PR pitches via twitter next Monday and Tuesday in an attempt to eradicate the irrelevant press releases that find themselves clogging up his inbox.
If the experiment works, Martin has said he will consider using only Twitter permanently.
Sending copy this way will limit the space to only 140 characters, meaning that the message will have to be punchy and attention grabbing if Martin is to pay any attention to it. This will require some good journalistic skills and might prove to be an interesting challenge.
It's nice, though a little strange, to see how much everyone is embracing social networking lately and how they are using it to go about their business too. I think it is a sign of the times and an indicator of where our future lies... in Facebook updates and Tweets.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Mickey Rourke joins Jonathon Ross
Mickey Rourke joins Jonathan Ross this week on his BBC One show Friday Night With Jonathan Ross and talks about the pain behind his film, The Wrestler.
He says: "It's the hardest movie I ever had to make...too many [parallels] to be comfortable, there were moments when it was too close to home.
"I had to spend seven months putting on 28 pounds, eating seven times a day, I thought 'it's going to be fun' but I hated it.
"I ended up with three MRIs in two months, my legs couldn't carry the weight."
He also tells Jonathan about his years in the wilderness: "It was an accumulation of mistakes. You go out there, think you can rise above the s**t, but you fall into it...there were no rules...I didn't know you had to sell yourself, I wasn't educated enough to understand it, to play the game."
And why he'd like to win the Oscar: "After my drought it would mean everything. It would be an honour."
Will Young also joins Jonathan and discusses considering parenthood: "'I did have a patch when I thought 'maybe'."
Plastic surgery: "If I have good surgery I can keep smoking!"
And the pressures of fame: "You have to build up this tough exterior to be who you want to be. I've got a lot better."
Jonathan also welcomes comedian Jason Manford and there's music from The Cure performing live in the studio.
BBC Press Release
He says: "It's the hardest movie I ever had to make...too many [parallels] to be comfortable, there were moments when it was too close to home.
"I had to spend seven months putting on 28 pounds, eating seven times a day, I thought 'it's going to be fun' but I hated it.
"I ended up with three MRIs in two months, my legs couldn't carry the weight."
He also tells Jonathan about his years in the wilderness: "It was an accumulation of mistakes. You go out there, think you can rise above the s**t, but you fall into it...there were no rules...I didn't know you had to sell yourself, I wasn't educated enough to understand it, to play the game."
And why he'd like to win the Oscar: "After my drought it would mean everything. It would be an honour."
Will Young also joins Jonathan and discusses considering parenthood: "'I did have a patch when I thought 'maybe'."
Plastic surgery: "If I have good surgery I can keep smoking!"
And the pressures of fame: "You have to build up this tough exterior to be who you want to be. I've got a lot better."
Jonathan also welcomes comedian Jason Manford and there's music from The Cure performing live in the studio.
BBC Press Release
BFI and BBC Blast helping young film-makers
Five fledging film-makers have been given the chance to further their careers by winning a bursary place which gives them unique access to the film and TV industry, it was announced at the Future Film Festival last weekend.
The BBC Blast bursary winners were showcased at a packed ceremony at the BFI Southbank on Friday night, hosted by BBC Radio 1 film buff James King and singer Jenna G.
Victoria Ijeh-Okusanya (18), Ethan T. Race (17) and Jasmine Blackborow (18), all from London, Rob Wallace (19), from Kent, and David Poole (19), from Birmingham, all submitted films to the BBC Blast bursary competition last summer and were picked from more than 150 other hopefuls.
They start their bursaries in March – across comedy, drama, documentary, animation and music genres.
Victoria's winning film was an insightful documentary about the prevalence of sickle-cell anaemia in the Afro-Caribbean population; Ethan's piece was a chilling black and white film exploring evil, obsession and mental conflict; Jasmine's colourful music film brought to life the track Takin' Over by little-known Latin artist Ralph Robles; Rob Wallace's successful entry was a haunting animation about the beauty of life; and David Poole's short comedy looked at the lengths to which people will go for some "me time".
"The standard of creativity shown by these young film-makers is astonishing and we're thrilled to be able to give them a much-deserved break in the film and television industry," says BBC Blast Editor, Erin Barnes.
Eddie Berg, Artistic Director of BFI Southbank, said: "The Future Film Institute is a really important new initiative for the BFI. We want to harness the creative energies and talents of young people and work with them to help shape and inform our programme and activities and reach new audiences.
"The Future Film Festival showed how far we've come in a very short time and it offers a really exciting but also challenging way of working for major cultural institutions like the BFI."
The Future Film Festival held at BFI Southbank this weekend gave young film-makers and movie fans between the ages of 13-25, the chance to be inspired by industry professionals in a series of lively workshops and Q&As.
Film-makers including EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer, director Asif Kapadia (The Warrior, The Return) and the new BAFTA rising star, Noel Clarke (Doctor Who, Kidulthood, Adulthood) were swamped with aspiring film-makers quizzing them on their craft – with well over 1,000 young people attending the festival over the weekend.
Other highlights included an all-day Bollywood filming extravaganza and an opportunity to film members of the National Youth Theatre using cutting edge methods in a performance of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Also attending the event were students studying the new Diploma in Creative and Media. Work-related learning is a key part of this course and young people studying the qualification get the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by professionals working in the creative and media industries.
"This was a fantastic chance for young Diploma students to celebrate their achievements so far and to gain some real life experience of the film business," said Schools Minister Jim Knight.
"In my day 'work experience' too often just meant making the tea – now Diploma students get the chance to talk to Hollywood directors and use cutting-edge technology to create special effects."
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
The BBC Blast bursary winners were showcased at a packed ceremony at the BFI Southbank on Friday night, hosted by BBC Radio 1 film buff James King and singer Jenna G.
Victoria Ijeh-Okusanya (18), Ethan T. Race (17) and Jasmine Blackborow (18), all from London, Rob Wallace (19), from Kent, and David Poole (19), from Birmingham, all submitted films to the BBC Blast bursary competition last summer and were picked from more than 150 other hopefuls.
They start their bursaries in March – across comedy, drama, documentary, animation and music genres.
Victoria's winning film was an insightful documentary about the prevalence of sickle-cell anaemia in the Afro-Caribbean population; Ethan's piece was a chilling black and white film exploring evil, obsession and mental conflict; Jasmine's colourful music film brought to life the track Takin' Over by little-known Latin artist Ralph Robles; Rob Wallace's successful entry was a haunting animation about the beauty of life; and David Poole's short comedy looked at the lengths to which people will go for some "me time".
"The standard of creativity shown by these young film-makers is astonishing and we're thrilled to be able to give them a much-deserved break in the film and television industry," says BBC Blast Editor, Erin Barnes.
Eddie Berg, Artistic Director of BFI Southbank, said: "The Future Film Institute is a really important new initiative for the BFI. We want to harness the creative energies and talents of young people and work with them to help shape and inform our programme and activities and reach new audiences.
"The Future Film Festival showed how far we've come in a very short time and it offers a really exciting but also challenging way of working for major cultural institutions like the BFI."
The Future Film Festival held at BFI Southbank this weekend gave young film-makers and movie fans between the ages of 13-25, the chance to be inspired by industry professionals in a series of lively workshops and Q&As.
Film-makers including EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer, director Asif Kapadia (The Warrior, The Return) and the new BAFTA rising star, Noel Clarke (Doctor Who, Kidulthood, Adulthood) were swamped with aspiring film-makers quizzing them on their craft – with well over 1,000 young people attending the festival over the weekend.
Other highlights included an all-day Bollywood filming extravaganza and an opportunity to film members of the National Youth Theatre using cutting edge methods in a performance of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Also attending the event were students studying the new Diploma in Creative and Media. Work-related learning is a key part of this course and young people studying the qualification get the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by professionals working in the creative and media industries.
"This was a fantastic chance for young Diploma students to celebrate their achievements so far and to gain some real life experience of the film business," said Schools Minister Jim Knight.
"In my day 'work experience' too often just meant making the tea – now Diploma students get the chance to talk to Hollywood directors and use cutting-edge technology to create special effects."
Courtesy of BBC Press Releases
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Let's Dance for Comic Relief - more celeb contestants revealed
The cast of Hollyoaks, Loui Batley (Sarah), Nathalie Emmanuel (Sasha), Dominique Jackson (Lauren), Ricky Whittle (Calvin), Garnon Davies (Elliot), EastEnders actors (names tbc) and Christopher Biggins & Nicki Chapman are set to dust off their dancing shoes for Let's Dance For Comic Relief as part of this year's Red Nose Day Campaign it was announced today.
Denise Van Outen has also been confirmed as a guest judge alongside head panellist Anton Du Beke, who will be joined by two different guest panellists each week.
Previously announced guest panellists include Emma Bunton, Paul O'Grady and Michael McIntyre.
Previously announced contestants include Jo Brand, Robert Webb, Keith Lemon & Paddy McGuinness, Dragons' Den's Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Dick & Dom, Blue Peter Presenters (Tim Vincent, Anthea Turner, Mark Curry, Diana Louise Jordan, Peter Duncan, Janet Ellis, Helen Skelton), Chefs (Paul Rankin, Sophie Grigson, John Burton Race, Nancy Lam, Kevin Woodford, Sophie Michell, Tony Tobin, Reza Mahammad, Silvena Rowe), Les Dennis, Neil Fox & Nancy Sorrell and Angela Rippon who will all pay homage to iconic dance routines in a bid to wow viewers with their moves and compete for a chance to be crowned champion of the dance floor.
The show will be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Steve Jones and launches on BBC One from Saturday 21 February 2009.
The series will run over four weeks, comprising three heats and culminating in a spectacular final dance off on Red Nose Day weekend.
Show One will see members of the EastEnders cast, Les Dennis, Christopher Biggins & Nicky Chapman, Robert Webb, Dick & Dom and the Chefs recreate a number of famous dances from movie and pop classics.
There will also be a live performance from The Saturdays who will sing their Comic Relief single Just Can't Get Enough.
Show Two will feature Jo Brand, the Dragons, Hollyoaks cast, Blue Peter presenters, Keith Lemon & Paddy McGuinness, Neil Fox & Nancy Sorrell.
Who goes through and who gets a chance to compete in the final will be down to the public phone votes and the panel.
The final will see six celebrity acts dance for their chance to be crowned the Let's Dance For Comic Relief Champion on Saturday 14 March.
Proceeds from the voting will go to Comic Relief.
The show will be produced by Whizz Kid Entertainment for the BBC.
BBC Press Release
Denise Van Outen has also been confirmed as a guest judge alongside head panellist Anton Du Beke, who will be joined by two different guest panellists each week.
Previously announced guest panellists include Emma Bunton, Paul O'Grady and Michael McIntyre.
Previously announced contestants include Jo Brand, Robert Webb, Keith Lemon & Paddy McGuinness, Dragons' Den's Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Dick & Dom, Blue Peter Presenters (Tim Vincent, Anthea Turner, Mark Curry, Diana Louise Jordan, Peter Duncan, Janet Ellis, Helen Skelton), Chefs (Paul Rankin, Sophie Grigson, John Burton Race, Nancy Lam, Kevin Woodford, Sophie Michell, Tony Tobin, Reza Mahammad, Silvena Rowe), Les Dennis, Neil Fox & Nancy Sorrell and Angela Rippon who will all pay homage to iconic dance routines in a bid to wow viewers with their moves and compete for a chance to be crowned champion of the dance floor.
The show will be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Steve Jones and launches on BBC One from Saturday 21 February 2009.
The series will run over four weeks, comprising three heats and culminating in a spectacular final dance off on Red Nose Day weekend.
Show One will see members of the EastEnders cast, Les Dennis, Christopher Biggins & Nicky Chapman, Robert Webb, Dick & Dom and the Chefs recreate a number of famous dances from movie and pop classics.
There will also be a live performance from The Saturdays who will sing their Comic Relief single Just Can't Get Enough.
Show Two will feature Jo Brand, the Dragons, Hollyoaks cast, Blue Peter presenters, Keith Lemon & Paddy McGuinness, Neil Fox & Nancy Sorrell.
Who goes through and who gets a chance to compete in the final will be down to the public phone votes and the panel.
The final will see six celebrity acts dance for their chance to be crowned the Let's Dance For Comic Relief Champion on Saturday 14 March.
Proceeds from the voting will go to Comic Relief.
The show will be produced by Whizz Kid Entertainment for the BBC.
BBC Press Release
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
CGI vs. stop motion but, which is better?
Stop motion vs. CGI... the debate continues... ok well, maybe I’m exaggerating (there's probably nobody else debating this apart from me)and maybe your everyday cinema goer doesn’t give a damn about stop motion (or even CGI for that matter) but, they should! It seems that stop motion is a dying form and it’s such a terrible shame.Ok, so let’s settle the differences: stop motion involves physically moving an object a small amount between frames to give it the illusion of movement when the individually photographed frames are played in sequence and CGI or Computer Generated Imagery, involves using 3D computer graphics to create the special effects that cause all the ‘ooh’s’ and ‘aaah’s’ in the cinema. It is also used for characters and objects in film.
CGI is something we are faced with a lot of the time when we go to the cinema, it a form that allows things to be achieved on the big screen that could never have been achieved before. It is an excellent tool in film making and yes, I am a fan but, I don’t think it has the ability to create the image that a stop motion animation can.
Stop motion may be a long and pain-staking process but, the end product is definitely worth it. Let’s take a look at Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, this was filmed using stop motion alone and has such a unique and beautiful look about it that sets it apart from other films.
Tim Burton is of course a die-hard fan of the art form, saying: "There is an energy with stop-motion that you can’t even describe. It’s got to do with giving things life, and I guess that’s why I wanted to get into animation originally." (see http://minadream.com/timburton/Animation.htm)
I can really see where Burton is coming from, The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Corpse Bride (his two big stop motion successes) do have an energy and feel about them that is somehow different to CGI but, sadly most movie makers will opt for CGI over stop motion every time.
My argument is that we just don’t see enough stop motion in the cinema (seemingly apart from that brought to us by Burton) and we need to see more of it. Yes CGI is easier and quicker but, it would be such a shame to see stop motion die out completely. It’s a wonderful art form and creates a great image on-screen so, it would be nice to see the studios embracing it a bit more in future.
BBC One's Robin Hood is back
Tiger Aspect Productions' hit series Robin Hood returns to BBC One this Spring with a host of new faces. During 13 action-packed episodes the quest continues for justice and freedom for all.
It is three months since Marian's untimely death and Robin (Jonas Armstrong) is a changed man. Tougher, he's sacked his gang since they all returned from the Holy Land. Not only that – he's hell bent on avenging his wife's tragic end.
Jonas says: "Robin's back from the Holy Land but without Marian, the beat of his life. He's questioning everything he ever lived for and now it's pay back time and he's become obsessed with killing Gisborne. The big question is will he take his mortal enemy's life?
"It's great to bring Robin back a darker, more mature hero and fans will see that once he's come to terms with his personal loss, he's a stronger more powerful force than ever before."
Her slayer, Guy of Gisborne, (Richard Armitage), is a marked man. But does Gisborne care if he lives or dies? After all he's killed the woman he loved. After his heinous act what's left to save him from a life of evil? Will Robin kill his nemesis or let him live crippled by guilt and remorse?
Fuelled by anger and grief, Robin seems stuck in a downward spiral, but a new beacon of hope arrives in the form of a travelling monk called Tuck (David Harewood), who soon gets our hooded hero back on track.
David Harewood (Criminal Justice, Blood Diamond), who plays Tuck, says: "Creating a modern, strong Tuck for a 21st century audience is a terrific opportunity and a real challenge because many of us already have a picture of a roly-poly monk who loves his food and drink.
"But the new Tuck's heart and mind is elsewhere. He's a warrior poet, a man of vision and imagination, who has a very hands-on approach when it comes to justice and freedom, and believe me you want him on your side!"
Meanwhile, the wickedness of the Sheriff (Keith Allen) continues unabated. A spirited Locksley girl named Kate (Joanne Froggatt) objects to her brother's forced conscription. As a result she inadvertently gets caught up in the cause of Robin Hood and becomes an indispensable member of the gang.
Joanne Froggatt (The Street, Life On Mars), who plays Kate, says: "Joining the ranks of Robin Hood has been so much fun. I've learnt to fight and run for my life all at the same time! Kate's a tomboy with a big and fearless heart, but soon it's a question of who will win her undivided love and attention. As they say the path to true love never runs smoothly."
An unexpected addition to the Gisborne family, Guy's little sister, Isabella, played by television newcomer Lara Pulver, arrives and becomes a complication both Robin and Gisborne can do without.
Lara says: "Television breaks don't get better than Isabella and even arch-baddie Gisborne's feisty little sister's got issues with him! She's a real 'tour de force' and so much happens to her in this epic third series. Making Robin Hood, being part of this wonderful show, has been the best fun ever and a real-life adventure for me from start to finish."
As the threat of Prince John (Toby Stephens) looms larger Robin and Gisborne have to reach an uneasy truce as it emerges that they may have rather more in common than they thought.
Tiger Aspect's Greg Brenman says: "Series three is bigger, bolder and more action-packed than ever before. From the get-go Robin's turbo energy compels the series forward. As well as working with our now-established and well-loved star cast it has been great fun to welcome and work with Lara, Joanne, David, Toby. They and all the other new characters add so much texture and fun to this modern day interpretation of the legend that is Robin Hood."
Robin Hood series three is produced by Jane Hudson and Tom Mullens at Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC One.
The executive producers are Greg Brenman and Foz Allen at Tiger Aspect Productions and Julie Gardner for the BBC.
Robin Hood series three is part of BBC Drama for 2009 and joins a special Doctor Who, new series of Ashes To Ashes, Torchwood and The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, new dramas All The Small Things, PAs and The Day Of The Triffids.
BBC Press Release
It is three months since Marian's untimely death and Robin (Jonas Armstrong) is a changed man. Tougher, he's sacked his gang since they all returned from the Holy Land. Not only that – he's hell bent on avenging his wife's tragic end.
Jonas says: "Robin's back from the Holy Land but without Marian, the beat of his life. He's questioning everything he ever lived for and now it's pay back time and he's become obsessed with killing Gisborne. The big question is will he take his mortal enemy's life?
"It's great to bring Robin back a darker, more mature hero and fans will see that once he's come to terms with his personal loss, he's a stronger more powerful force than ever before."
Her slayer, Guy of Gisborne, (Richard Armitage), is a marked man. But does Gisborne care if he lives or dies? After all he's killed the woman he loved. After his heinous act what's left to save him from a life of evil? Will Robin kill his nemesis or let him live crippled by guilt and remorse?
Fuelled by anger and grief, Robin seems stuck in a downward spiral, but a new beacon of hope arrives in the form of a travelling monk called Tuck (David Harewood), who soon gets our hooded hero back on track.
David Harewood (Criminal Justice, Blood Diamond), who plays Tuck, says: "Creating a modern, strong Tuck for a 21st century audience is a terrific opportunity and a real challenge because many of us already have a picture of a roly-poly monk who loves his food and drink.
"But the new Tuck's heart and mind is elsewhere. He's a warrior poet, a man of vision and imagination, who has a very hands-on approach when it comes to justice and freedom, and believe me you want him on your side!"
Meanwhile, the wickedness of the Sheriff (Keith Allen) continues unabated. A spirited Locksley girl named Kate (Joanne Froggatt) objects to her brother's forced conscription. As a result she inadvertently gets caught up in the cause of Robin Hood and becomes an indispensable member of the gang.
Joanne Froggatt (The Street, Life On Mars), who plays Kate, says: "Joining the ranks of Robin Hood has been so much fun. I've learnt to fight and run for my life all at the same time! Kate's a tomboy with a big and fearless heart, but soon it's a question of who will win her undivided love and attention. As they say the path to true love never runs smoothly."
An unexpected addition to the Gisborne family, Guy's little sister, Isabella, played by television newcomer Lara Pulver, arrives and becomes a complication both Robin and Gisborne can do without.
Lara says: "Television breaks don't get better than Isabella and even arch-baddie Gisborne's feisty little sister's got issues with him! She's a real 'tour de force' and so much happens to her in this epic third series. Making Robin Hood, being part of this wonderful show, has been the best fun ever and a real-life adventure for me from start to finish."
As the threat of Prince John (Toby Stephens) looms larger Robin and Gisborne have to reach an uneasy truce as it emerges that they may have rather more in common than they thought.
Tiger Aspect's Greg Brenman says: "Series three is bigger, bolder and more action-packed than ever before. From the get-go Robin's turbo energy compels the series forward. As well as working with our now-established and well-loved star cast it has been great fun to welcome and work with Lara, Joanne, David, Toby. They and all the other new characters add so much texture and fun to this modern day interpretation of the legend that is Robin Hood."
Robin Hood series three is produced by Jane Hudson and Tom Mullens at Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC One.
The executive producers are Greg Brenman and Foz Allen at Tiger Aspect Productions and Julie Gardner for the BBC.
Robin Hood series three is part of BBC Drama for 2009 and joins a special Doctor Who, new series of Ashes To Ashes, Torchwood and The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, new dramas All The Small Things, PAs and The Day Of The Triffids.
BBC Press Release
Madonna music for Twilight sequel?
Entertainment Weekly have quashed rumours that Queen of pop, Madonna, is set for a role in the Twilight sequel ‘New Moon.’
However, they have hinted that it is a possibility that Madge will provide songs for the film as her manager, Guy Oseary, is a producer on the project, meaning his client could become somehow involved.
No official plans have been made yet but, watch this space.
However, they have hinted that it is a possibility that Madge will provide songs for the film as her manager, Guy Oseary, is a producer on the project, meaning his client could become somehow involved.
No official plans have been made yet but, watch this space.
Ashton Kutcher in new footie film
Variety have announced that Ashton Kutcher is in the final stages of talks over a role in football comedy ‘Traded.’
Traded will be about an NFL quarterback who magically trades bodies with a 12-year-old geeky middle-schooler and learns some valuable lessons along the way (sounds a bit like Freaky Friday with football to me).
The film was developed at Dreamworks but, has become the property of Par after Dreamworks’ exit.
The guys behind the likes of Coach Carter and Varsity Blues, Brian Robbins and Mike Tollin, will produce alongside Jason Hoffs and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett.
No production date has been set yet.
Traded will be about an NFL quarterback who magically trades bodies with a 12-year-old geeky middle-schooler and learns some valuable lessons along the way (sounds a bit like Freaky Friday with football to me).
The film was developed at Dreamworks but, has become the property of Par after Dreamworks’ exit.
The guys behind the likes of Coach Carter and Varsity Blues, Brian Robbins and Mike Tollin, will produce alongside Jason Hoffs and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett.
No production date has been set yet.
Bolt 3D cinema review
John Travolta is the voice of Bolt, a dog who is the star of a hit TV show, in this animated movie from the Walt Disney studios.
All Bolt knows in life is his TV show; he really believes that everything that happens on it is real, that he genuinely has super powers and he is protecting his beloved owner Penny (Miley Cyrus) from the bad guys.
Everything changes for Bolt when he is accidentally shipped to New York City and has to find his way back to Penny. He meets a cat called Mittens (Susie Essman) and Rhino the hamster (Mark Walton) who is a TV-addict and Bolts biggest fan and the three of them have to work together to get Bolt home.
Bolt’s journey makes him realise that he doesn’t really have super powers and the life he lives is not as real as he always believed, he has to learn how to be a hero with out all the special effects and how to live life as a real dog.
Bolt 3D is an enjoyable film although there doesn’t seem to be much point in it being in 3D. The plot is fun and entertaining but, is not one of Disney’s best. Overall it is a good family film and will definitely be a hit with the kids.
All Bolt knows in life is his TV show; he really believes that everything that happens on it is real, that he genuinely has super powers and he is protecting his beloved owner Penny (Miley Cyrus) from the bad guys.
Everything changes for Bolt when he is accidentally shipped to New York City and has to find his way back to Penny. He meets a cat called Mittens (Susie Essman) and Rhino the hamster (Mark Walton) who is a TV-addict and Bolts biggest fan and the three of them have to work together to get Bolt home.
Bolt’s journey makes him realise that he doesn’t really have super powers and the life he lives is not as real as he always believed, he has to learn how to be a hero with out all the special effects and how to live life as a real dog.
Bolt 3D is an enjoyable film although there doesn’t seem to be much point in it being in 3D. The plot is fun and entertaining but, is not one of Disney’s best. Overall it is a good family film and will definitely be a hit with the kids.
Slumdog Millionaire cinema review
Danny Boyle has really pulled out all the stops with this one and Slumdog Millionaire is definitely everything it has been made out to be and more.
Dev Patel stars as Jamal Malik, a teenage boy from the slums in Mumbai who finds his way onto the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and steams his way through the questions, getting all the answers right and racking up the prize money.
His ability to answer each question causes some suspicion and Jamal is accused of cheating and is arrested and questioned about how he is doing it because people just can’t accept that a slumdog could know all the answers.
Jamal’s interrogation takes us on a journey through the sadness, difficulties and challenges that he has faced in life and we discover how his life experiences have imprinted certain information in his memory which allows him to answer the Millionaire questions.
We discover that there is one special person, a girl called Latika (Freida Pinto), who has been in Jamal’s heart through thick and thin and his love for her drives him on whether she is around him or not. He is determined to find her each time they are separated but, will Jamal get to keep the girl he loves?
Dev Patel is brilliant in his portrayal of Jamal; he gives a flawless and moving performance and is bound to be heading for a great film career in future (well it’s not as if he can disappear after the huge success of Slumdog).
Slumdog Millionaire is an innovative and refreshing concept, it is a gripping film with lots of emotion and the right amount of light humour. This is one film that everyone should try and see, even if it’s just to find out if it lives up to the hype; it is definitely not to be missed.
Dev Patel stars as Jamal Malik, a teenage boy from the slums in Mumbai who finds his way onto the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and steams his way through the questions, getting all the answers right and racking up the prize money.
His ability to answer each question causes some suspicion and Jamal is accused of cheating and is arrested and questioned about how he is doing it because people just can’t accept that a slumdog could know all the answers.
Jamal’s interrogation takes us on a journey through the sadness, difficulties and challenges that he has faced in life and we discover how his life experiences have imprinted certain information in his memory which allows him to answer the Millionaire questions.
We discover that there is one special person, a girl called Latika (Freida Pinto), who has been in Jamal’s heart through thick and thin and his love for her drives him on whether she is around him or not. He is determined to find her each time they are separated but, will Jamal get to keep the girl he loves?
Dev Patel is brilliant in his portrayal of Jamal; he gives a flawless and moving performance and is bound to be heading for a great film career in future (well it’s not as if he can disappear after the huge success of Slumdog).
Slumdog Millionaire is an innovative and refreshing concept, it is a gripping film with lots of emotion and the right amount of light humour. This is one film that everyone should try and see, even if it’s just to find out if it lives up to the hype; it is definitely not to be missed.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
The Wrestler cinema review
The Wrestler has been credited as Mickey Rourke’s come-back film and he probably couldn’t have picked a better role to kick-start his career again and re-establish himself as a Hollywood face.
Randy ‘the Ram’ Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a huge wrestling star in the 80’s and created quite a reputation for himself, now though, as an aging wrestler, he is only involved in rematches and makes a pittance from it.
Randy has a heart attack after one of his matches and this makes him wake up and realise what he should be doing in life. He becomes full-time in a grocery store and tries to make amends with the daughter he abandoned all those years before. He also tries to pursue his love interest, a stripper called Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) who he has held a torch for as her customer for quite some time.
When things start to fall apart for him again, Randy just can’t resist the opportunity for a fight with his 1980’s arch-enemy, The Ayatollah, in hope that it might take him back to the top.
The Wrestler is a moving film with a documentary and natural feel to it; there’s lots of hand held camera use and sound effects and sound tracks are in the minimum, giving it a very ‘real’ style that works well with the film’s themes.
Mickey Rourke puts in an excellent and touching performance as Randy and he makes the characters journey a fascinating watch. The Wrestler has the ability to appeal to a very wide audience and is very deserving of its recent award nominations.
Randy ‘the Ram’ Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a huge wrestling star in the 80’s and created quite a reputation for himself, now though, as an aging wrestler, he is only involved in rematches and makes a pittance from it.
Randy has a heart attack after one of his matches and this makes him wake up and realise what he should be doing in life. He becomes full-time in a grocery store and tries to make amends with the daughter he abandoned all those years before. He also tries to pursue his love interest, a stripper called Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) who he has held a torch for as her customer for quite some time.
When things start to fall apart for him again, Randy just can’t resist the opportunity for a fight with his 1980’s arch-enemy, The Ayatollah, in hope that it might take him back to the top.
The Wrestler is a moving film with a documentary and natural feel to it; there’s lots of hand held camera use and sound effects and sound tracks are in the minimum, giving it a very ‘real’ style that works well with the film’s themes.
Mickey Rourke puts in an excellent and touching performance as Randy and he makes the characters journey a fascinating watch. The Wrestler has the ability to appeal to a very wide audience and is very deserving of its recent award nominations.
Halle Berry in new heist film
Variety have announced that Halle Berry has been attached to star in heist film ‘Who is Doris Payne.’
It is a fact-based film about an international jewel thief with a career spanning five decades.
The film will be scripted by Eunetta Boone and developed by J2 partners Justin Berfield and Jason Felts.
No further information has currently been released and no filming dates have been announced.
It is a fact-based film about an international jewel thief with a career spanning five decades.
The film will be scripted by Eunetta Boone and developed by J2 partners Justin Berfield and Jason Felts.
No further information has currently been released and no filming dates have been announced.
Elton John's Jane Austen adaptation
According to Variety, Elton John’s Rocket Pictures is set to make a Jane Austen adaptation like you’ve never seen before.
Will Clark will direct ‘Pride and Predator’ which will see an alien crash landing amongst the Austen characters and causing havoc and disruption in the costume drama setting.
Elton John will be executive producer and will supervise the film’s music, his Rocket partners Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish will be producing.
It is likely that this alien twist will attract more of a male audience to the period drama.
It is thought that filming will begin in London later on this year.
Will Clark will direct ‘Pride and Predator’ which will see an alien crash landing amongst the Austen characters and causing havoc and disruption in the costume drama setting.
Elton John will be executive producer and will supervise the film’s music, his Rocket partners Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish will be producing.
It is likely that this alien twist will attract more of a male audience to the period drama.
It is thought that filming will begin in London later on this year.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Lost in Austen heads to the big screen
BBC News have reported that the ITV hit drama Lost in Austen is set to be remade for the cinema by the acclaimed Sam Mendes.
The series told the story of an avid Jane Austen fan who found herself swapping places with characters from the books and entering the world created by Austen.
Sam Mendes, who recently directed and produced the hit film Revolutionary Road starring Kate Winslet, is on board to produce the Lost in Austen remake and writer of the original series, Guy Andrews, will pen the screenplay.
No cast has yet been attached to the film.
The series told the story of an avid Jane Austen fan who found herself swapping places with characters from the books and entering the world created by Austen.
Sam Mendes, who recently directed and produced the hit film Revolutionary Road starring Kate Winslet, is on board to produce the Lost in Austen remake and writer of the original series, Guy Andrews, will pen the screenplay.
No cast has yet been attached to the film.
Michael McIntyre to host new comedy series on BBC
Sell-out stand-up comedian Michael McIntyre is to host a brand new series for BBC One where he takes to the road visiting well-known venues around the UK, showcasing the very best in stand-up.
Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow will feature both up and coming stand-up acts as well as established artists who will headline each show.
The series of six half hours will be hosted by Michael from venues in Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester, Cardiff, Brighton and Newcastle.
Mark Linsey, Controller, BBC Entertainment Commissioning, said: "Michael is a rising star and we're delighted that, following the success of Live At The Apollo, he's taking stand-up out on the road for us to showcase the very best in established and brand new comedy acts."
Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow is an Open Mike Manchester production for BBC One, commissioned by Mark Linsey, Controller, BBC Entertainment Commissioning and Jay Hunt, Controller, BBC One.
Courtesy of BBC Press Release
Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow will feature both up and coming stand-up acts as well as established artists who will headline each show.
The series of six half hours will be hosted by Michael from venues in Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester, Cardiff, Brighton and Newcastle.
Mark Linsey, Controller, BBC Entertainment Commissioning, said: "Michael is a rising star and we're delighted that, following the success of Live At The Apollo, he's taking stand-up out on the road for us to showcase the very best in established and brand new comedy acts."
Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow is an Open Mike Manchester production for BBC One, commissioned by Mark Linsey, Controller, BBC Entertainment Commissioning and Jay Hunt, Controller, BBC One.
Courtesy of BBC Press Release
The best and worst valentine and date movies
February is upon us and with it comes a day we dare not forget....yes, you guessed it... Valentines day is here again.
With love in the air and sweet nothings on the breeze, I wanted to find out just which films would be a hit with the ladies this valentines and which films they love to cosy up to with that special someone.
Romantic comedies are the obvious film of choice for this time of year but, do the ladies agree? Kayleigh Jones, 18, thinks romantic comedies are the perfect choice, she said: "even though they’re usualy girly, there’s at least something in there for the guys but, there aren’t many movies that appeal to both genders that could be deemed romantic." and Lisa Matthews, 23, feels the same, saying: "Romantic comedy...comedy for him and romance for me," but, it seems that rom-coms would not be the first choice for all women.
Becky Gant, 21, said: "The best genre would be period dramas, stuff like Pride and Prejudice is always really romantic because of it’s setting," but Maria Hooper, 21, would prefer an action: "I think a chick flick would be the usual date film as it has romance in it. But personally I would find it quite uncomfortable as I would know that the male would not enjoy it - especially my partner. But something such as a ‘light’ action film that both of you enjoy would be acceptable."
Kate Bowles, 23, and Charlotte Hayden, 22, have other ideas and think a horror would be better. Kate said: "I agree with horror though. I’ve always thought that was a good genre of film for a date - gives you an excuse to act scared so that he puts his arm around you."
Comedy is a good option according to Hannah Sullivan, 23, Deb Harford, 23 and Laura Dowling, 20. Hannah said: "A comedy is definitely the best to see because then you can laugh together and remember the jokes afterwards. Plus it keeps the other half interested."
So with the best genres sorted it was time to turn to the worst and what women would really hate to watch on valentines or on a date. Maria said: "I think the worst film to watch on a date /valentines would be a horror. A film that completely spoils the occasion and a really gruesome action film! A film on a date/Valentines needs to be selected carefully for the occasion so as not to spoil each other’s moods," both Lisa and Hannah agree. However, Kayleigh thought a war or action would be a bad choice and Charlotte said: "Any kind of crap slapstick comedy and/or meaningless comedy would annoy me. For example Anchorman."
It seems the ladies have very conflicting ideas about what makes a good or bad movie for Valentines day or for a date so, it really does depend upon the people and not the film.
Here’s what the ladies recommended for this Valentines:-The Notebook, First Knight, Bridget Jones, Ghost, Dirty Dancing, He’s Just Not That Into You, Yes Man, Defiance ... Men...please take note!
With love in the air and sweet nothings on the breeze, I wanted to find out just which films would be a hit with the ladies this valentines and which films they love to cosy up to with that special someone.
Romantic comedies are the obvious film of choice for this time of year but, do the ladies agree? Kayleigh Jones, 18, thinks romantic comedies are the perfect choice, she said: "even though they’re usualy girly, there’s at least something in there for the guys but, there aren’t many movies that appeal to both genders that could be deemed romantic." and Lisa Matthews, 23, feels the same, saying: "Romantic comedy...comedy for him and romance for me," but, it seems that rom-coms would not be the first choice for all women.
Becky Gant, 21, said: "The best genre would be period dramas, stuff like Pride and Prejudice is always really romantic because of it’s setting," but Maria Hooper, 21, would prefer an action: "I think a chick flick would be the usual date film as it has romance in it. But personally I would find it quite uncomfortable as I would know that the male would not enjoy it - especially my partner. But something such as a ‘light’ action film that both of you enjoy would be acceptable."
Kate Bowles, 23, and Charlotte Hayden, 22, have other ideas and think a horror would be better. Kate said: "I agree with horror though. I’ve always thought that was a good genre of film for a date - gives you an excuse to act scared so that he puts his arm around you."
Comedy is a good option according to Hannah Sullivan, 23, Deb Harford, 23 and Laura Dowling, 20. Hannah said: "A comedy is definitely the best to see because then you can laugh together and remember the jokes afterwards. Plus it keeps the other half interested."
So with the best genres sorted it was time to turn to the worst and what women would really hate to watch on valentines or on a date. Maria said: "I think the worst film to watch on a date /valentines would be a horror. A film that completely spoils the occasion and a really gruesome action film! A film on a date/Valentines needs to be selected carefully for the occasion so as not to spoil each other’s moods," both Lisa and Hannah agree. However, Kayleigh thought a war or action would be a bad choice and Charlotte said: "Any kind of crap slapstick comedy and/or meaningless comedy would annoy me. For example Anchorman."
It seems the ladies have very conflicting ideas about what makes a good or bad movie for Valentines day or for a date so, it really does depend upon the people and not the film.
Here’s what the ladies recommended for this Valentines:-The Notebook, First Knight, Bridget Jones, Ghost, Dirty Dancing, He’s Just Not That Into You, Yes Man, Defiance ... Men...please take note!
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