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Showing posts from November, 2014

TV Series Review: Penny Dreadful

Usually I wait until I've seen at least three episodes of a series before posting a review, but this time, I decided not to wait. Those who loved Carnivale and despaired at it being cancelled after two seasons, can now rejoice, something has finally arrived to plug the gap where it once was on TV. Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Harry Treadaway, this particular (regulars) combination of fine actors in a unpredictable storyline set in early twentieth century London, with regular references to period literature and different, original takes on the supernatural, why are you still reading? The score is by Abel Korzeniowski, which as every great score should, adds that extra layer to the scenes. Very much looking forward to the third episode now, an appearance by Rory Kinnear, not just Bond's and M's Tanner in the Bond films. Who knew?

Film Review: Pride

Heartwarming, uplifting, for once a film is exactly what it says on the tin. Set in 1984, a group of gay and lesbian activists, regularly on the march for equality and having to deal with police coming in, discover that for once, its been relatively quiet on that front. A quick check with the newspapers (its 1984 don't forget) and they find its the strikers' protesting that has taken the heat off them, and its decided they should help the miners and raise money to support them. The fact that the film is based on true events makes it all the more special and every reaction, laughter, tears are well founded. Both are prompted more than once. This being a British film, they have the greats out in full force, Bill Nighy with a great Welsh accent, Imelda Staunton, Jessica Gunning, Dominic West and Paddy Considine. And the next generation of greats, Ben Schnetzer, Andrew Scott, George Mackay, Joseph Gilgun, Faye Marsay, Freddie Fox, Chris Overton and Joshua Hill. All in a

Film Review: The Imitation Game

This film is a true masterpiece in every sense of the word, in every possible way, costume and production design. The score has been composed by the brilliant Alexandre Desplat and of course acting, directing and editing. A great film entertains, a masterpiece such as this opens your eyes, to a little known story that should be taught to all. Alan Turing was the man who created something that helped shorten a war, so many peoples and places owe themselves to his work. Benedict Cumberbatch completely disappears into the role of Alan Turing, it is as though the real Alan came back to make this film before leaving to give Mr Cumberbatch the credit of his miraculous reappearance. The other actors are similarly transformed into their roles, Matthew Goode, Charles Dance, Keira Knightley, Mark Strong, Allen Leech, Tuppence Middleton, Rory Kinnear, Steven Waddington, Tom Goodman-Hill and Matthew Beard all bring such depth to their characters and combined with the strength of Mr Cumberbat