The Ricky Gervais Show Series 1 DVD review

But does it work on television? Given their success, its little surprise that they have been adapted for TV. The format they chose is perfect, and the animation team has done a great job here. The Hanna Barbera-style animation that has been adopted lends itself well to the show. The already extremely funny material is enhanced by the imagery that accompanies it. The comedy derives from three incredibly funny people discussing a variety of topics unscripted....

August 2, 2010 · 1 min · 187 words · Julie Stewart

Down Terrace review

A cracking British gangster film that’s crying out to be seen, Michael checks out Down Terrace… At their best (Shifty), these films are starkly personal. Once hes acquitted, everyone is under scrutiny. As a black comedy, it is packed with one-liners and well-observed (and well-subverted) moments. As a character piece, it is touching. As the narratives centre, co-writer Robin Hills performance is wonderfully nuanced. Karl is a man traumatised by his upbringing, emotionally stunted and knee deep in his familys dirty doings....

July 29, 2010 · 1 min · 119 words · Dennis Estes

The Muppet Show series 1 episode 1 review

And if that werent enough weve also got Mahna Mahna. Sex And Violencealso lacked Kermit as the main protagonist. Its safe to say the guest star is far from this episodes highlight. Mahna Mahnasorigins arent as innocent as many would imagine. Another song that was used previously wasYou And I And George,performed by Rowlf the dog. The song originally appeared onThe Mike Douglas Showin 1966. Its a sign of the dark and subversive humour that would run through The Muppets projects....

July 29, 2010 · 1 min · 81 words · Denise Green

10 videogame clichés that have gone on for long enough

Sick of exploding barrels, dumb space marines and bad voice acting? Thats right, no one. Weve all been there. Youre down to your last bullet, with hostiles all around you. Problem solved, you bound away to make nasty puddles of his friends. I dont have to see it, but its just nice to have a say in these things. But now games look more like films, and most voice acting is done by actual actors....

July 28, 2010 · 2 min · 218 words · Sarah Mosley

The A-Team review

The long-mooted movie of The A-Team arrives in UK cinemas. Does it deserve a better return than US cinema-goers gave it, though? And they certainly didnt seem to, either. LikeInception Its not the only problem thatThe A-Teammovie has, either. It takes, for instance, far too long to get out of the blocks. Its aided considerably, too, by most of its cast. And then theresDistrict 9s Sharlto Copley as Murdock, in scene-stealing form....

July 28, 2010 · 1 min · 128 words · Mary Wallace

The Karate Kid review

Its the tale of the underdog, but not as we know it. But does that mean 2010s version of The Karate Kid is good, bad or distinctly average? Lets get the harshness out of the way first. It should make you feel sorry for him, but it just made me dislike him. Not a good sign when youre less than a few minutes in to a 140 minute (!) But then things change....

July 28, 2010 · 1 min · 212 words · William Powell

Music in the movies: A Hard Day’s Night

The Film Directed by Richard Lester,A Hard Days Nightis the first of five Beatles movies. Of all the features they appeared in, this is undoubtedly the bands high point. There are numerous comedy vignettes throughout and, as you would expect, lots of musical numbers. The film would change pop music, but also had a huge impact on cinema. Slick editing sees the comedic set pieces seamlessly intercut with numerous musical performances....

July 27, 2010 · 1 min · 163 words · Mrs. Teresa Tran

Splice review

The reason being becauseSpliceis insane. Some seem to be drawn to the more Freudian elements, others to its themes of relationships and childbirth. And as for me? Well, I thought it was one of the greatest attempts at making a mainstream B-movie Ive ever seen. Quite how no ones had it taken down is a mystery. Hopefully, the controversial nature ofSplicewill bring her more attention, as shes more than deserving of it....

July 22, 2010 · 1 min · 125 words · Michelle Jackson

The Karate Kid Blu-ray review

As the remake hits cinemas, we check out the Blu-ray release of The Karate Kid. Now over 25 years old, has time been kind to this family adventure? Shes a cruel mistress, time. Just look at what time does to fashions, hairstyles and faces. What is todays svelte, funky iPad is tomorrows titter-inducing landfill. Ad content continues below First, theres Daniels strained kinship with his well-meaning mother, Lucille. Well, sort of....

July 22, 2010 · 1 min · 171 words · Mr. Chad Blackwell PhD

10 films to look forward to this autumn

Here’s our list of 10 to watch out for… Finally, summer blockbuster season comes off as finding its feet. And theres still the small matter ofThe ExpendablesandScott Pilgrim Vs The Worldready to light up August. Morning Glory Right then, Harrison Ford. The comedy that for some reason youve avoided making sinceWorking Girl. The one that could and should give you an Alec Baldwin-esque surge of comedy power through your veins....

July 21, 2010 · 4 min · 762 words · Gail Valdez

Invictus Blu-ray review

Clint Eastwood’s latest gives Morgan Freeman the chance to play Nelson Mandela at last. But does Invictus deliver the goods? Theres one of Americas finest living directors in Clint Eastwood. Theres one of the great narrators of Hollywood in Morgan Freeman. And theres the story of Nelson Mandela to tell. The problem with it all, though? But it never really elevates itself to a compelling movie. Furthermore, Eastwood certainly knows how to stage a rugby match on film....

July 21, 2010 · 1 min · 148 words · Michael Gardner

Peter Cushing: Past Forgetting CD review

Alas, the book never shared a lot of anecdotes about his time on set. (Youngsters, check out Wikipedia if you dont know what this is.) Cosmic Hobo is now releasing the second volume,Past Forgetting, for the very first time on CD. Wearing an RAF silk tie fromBigglesin private led to him being introduced to W.E. Johns himself when he discovered the ties colours and questioned Cushings right to wear them....

July 21, 2010 · 1 min · 88 words · Leonard Guzman

Robin Ince’s Bad Book Club book review

Comedian and writer Robin Ince celebrates the poetry of bad prose in Bad Book Club. Heres James review… Robin Ince is known for many things. To others, hes the long-suffering butt of Ricky Gervais practical jokes. Far from what you might expect, this is no ironic quest for trash. In each of these literary abominations, Ince finds something strange worth celebrating. Strangely, Inces love of this material is infectious. Its possible that was always the intention, of course....

July 21, 2010 · 1 min · 97 words · Robert Fuentes