Film and Book Reviews

69th Annual Golden Globes Awards (2012)

2012-01-16T16:07:00.002+11:00

The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards, were held at the International Ballroom, Beverly Hilton Hotel, 15 January 2012:

Best Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER : The Descendants (2011)

Other Nominees: The Help (2011); Hugo (2011/II); The Ides of March (2011); Moneyball (2011); War Horse (2011)

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER: The Artist (2011)

Other Nominees: Bridesmaids (2011); 50/50 (2011); Midnight in Paris (2011); My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER: George Clooney for The Descendants (2011)

Other Nominees:Leonardo DiCaprio for J. Edgar (2011); Michael Fassbender for Shame (2011); Ryan Gosling for The Ides of March (2011); Brad Pitt for Moneyball (2011)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER : Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady (2011)

Other Nominees:Glenn Close for Albert Nobbs (2011); Viola Davis for The Help (2011); Rooney Mara for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011); Tilda Swinton for We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : Jean Dujardin for The Artist (2011)

Other Nominees: Brendan Gleeson for The Guard (2011); Joseph Gordon-Levitt for 50/50 (2011); Ryan Gosling for Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011); Owen Wilson for Midnight in Paris (2011)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : Michelle Williams for My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Other Nominees: Jodie Foster for Carnage (2011); Charlize Theron for Young Adult (2011); Kristen Wiig for Bridesmaids (2011); Kate Winslet for Carnage (2011)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER : Christopher Plummer for Beginners (2010)

Other Nominees: Kenneth Branagh for My Week with Marilyn (2011); Albert Brooks for Drive (2011); Jonah Hill for Moneyball (2011); Viggo Mortensen for A Dangerous Method (2011)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER : Octavia Spencer for The Help (2011)

Other Nominees: Bérénice Bejo for The Artist (2011); Jessica Chastain for The Help (2011) ; Janet McTeer for Albert Nobbs (2011); Shailene Woodley for The Descendants (2011)

Best Director - Motion Picture
WINNER : Martin Scorsese for Hugo (2011/II)

Other Nominees: Woody Allen for Midnight in Paris (2011); George Clooney for The Ides of March (2011); Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist (2011) ; Alexander Payne for The Descendants (2011)

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
WINNER : Midnight in Paris (2011): Woody Allen

Other Nominees: The Artist (2011): Michel Hazanavicius ; The Descendants (2011): Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash ; The Ides of March (2011): George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon ; Moneyball (2011): Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, Stan Chervin

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
WINNER : W.E. (2011): Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry("Masterpiece")

Other Nominees: Albert Nobbs (2011): Brian Byrne, Glenn Close("Lay Your Head Down"); Gnomeo & Juliet (2011): Elton John, Bernie Taupin("Hello Hello"); The Help (2011): Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas("The Living Proof"); Machine Gun Preacher (2011): Chris Cornell("The Keeper")

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
WINNER : The Artist (2011): Ludovic Bource

Other Nominees: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011): Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross; Hugo (2011/II): Howard Shore; War Horse (2011): John Williams; W.E. (2011): Abel Korzeniowski

Best Animated Film
WINNER : The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

Other Nominees: Arthur Christmas (2011) ; Cars 2 (2011) ; Puss in Boots (2011) ; Rango (2011)

Best Foreign Language Film
WINNER : A Separation (2011)(Iran)

Other Nominees:The Flowers of War (2011)(China) ; In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011)(USA) ; The Kid with a Bike (2011)(Belgium); The Skin I Live In (2011)(Spain)

Best Television Series - Drama
WINNER : "Homeland" (2011)

Other Nominees: "American Horror Story" (2011) ; "Boardwalk Empire" (2010) ; "Boss" (2011); "Game of Thrones" (2011)

Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : "Modern Family" (2009)

Other Nominees: "Enlightened" (2011) ; "Episodes" (2011) ; "Glee" (2009) ; "New Girl" (2011)

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : "Downton Abbey" (2010)

Other Nominees: Cinema Verite (2011) (TV) ; "The Hour" (2011) ; "Mildred Pierce" (2011); Too Big to Fail (2011) (TV)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama
WINNER : Kelsey Grammer for "Boss" (2011)

Other Nominees: Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk Empire" (2010) ; Bryan Cranston for "Breaking Bad" (2008); Jeremy Irons for "The Borgias" (2011) ; Damian Lewis for "Homeland" (2011)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
WINNER : Claire Danes for "Homeland" (2011)

Other Nominees: Mireille Enos for "The Killing" (2011) ; Julianna Margulies for "The Good Wife" (2009)' Madeleine Stowe for "Revenge" (2011) ; Callie Thorne for "Necessary Roughness" (2011)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : Matt LeBlanc for "Episodes" (2011)

Other Nominees: Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock" (2006); David Duchovny for Californication" (2007); Johnny Galecki for "The Big Bang Theory" (2007); Thomas Jane for "Hung" (2009)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : Laura Dern for "Enlightened" (2011)

Other Nominees: Zooey Deschanel for "New Girl" (2011) ; Tina Fey for "30 Rock" (2006); Laura Linney for "The Big C" (2010) ; Amy Poehler for "Parks and Recreation" (2009)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : Idris Elba for "Luther" (2010)

Other Nominees: Hugh Bonneville for "Downton Abbey" (2010) ; William Hurt for Too Big to Fail (2011) (TV); Bill Nighy for Page Eight (2011) (TV) ; Dominic West for "The Hour" (2011)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : Kate Winslet for "Mildred Pierce" (2011)

Other Nominees: Romola Garai for "The Hour" (2011) ; Diane Lane for Cinema Verite (2011) (TV); Elizabeth McGovern for "Downton Abbey" (2010) ; Emily Watson for "Appropriate Adult" (2011)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : Peter Dinklage for "Game of Thrones" (2011)

Other Nominees: Paul Giamatti for Too Big to Fail (2011) (TV); Guy Pearce for "Mildred Pierce" (2011); Tim Robbins for Cinema Verite (2011) (TV) ; Eric Stonestreet for "Modern Family" (2009)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : Jessica Lange for "American Horror Story" (2011)

Other Nominees: Kelly Macdonald for "Boardwalk Empire" (2010); Maggie Smith for "Downton Abbey" (2010) ; Sofía Vergara for "Modern Family" (2009); Evan Rachel Wood for "Mildred Pierce" (2011)

Critics Choice Awards 2012

2012-01-13T23:05:00.003+11:00

The results of the Critics Choice Awards for 2012 was announced earlier today. These awards are bestowed by the 250 members of the Broadcast Film Critics' Association and recipients often do well in the Academy Awards.

Best Picture

WINNER : The Artist (2011)

Other Nominees: The Descendants (2011); Drive (2011); Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011); The Help (2011); Hugo (2011/II) ; Midnight in Paris (2011); Moneyball (2011); The Tree of Life (2011); War Horse (2011)

Best Actor

WINNER: George Clooney for The Descendants (2011)

Other Nominees: Leonardo DiCaprio for J. Edgar (2011); Jean Dujardin for The Artist (2011) ; Michael Fassbender for Shame (2011) ; Ryan Gosling for Drive (2011); Brad Pitt for Moneyball (2011)

Best Actress

WINNER: Viola Davis for The Help (2011)

Other Nominees: Elizabeth Olsen for Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011); Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady (2011); Tilda Swinton for We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011); Charlize Theron for Young Adult (2011); Michelle Williams for My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Best Supporting Actor

WINNER: Christopher Plummer for Beginners (2010)

Other Nominees: Kenneth Branagh for My Week with Marilyn (2011); Albert Brooks for Drive (2011); Nick Nolte for Warrior (2011); Patton Oswalt for Young Adult (2011); Andy Serkis for Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Best Supporting Actress

WINNER: Octavia Spencer for The Help (2011)

Other Nominees: Bérénice Bejo for The Artist (2011); Jessica Chastain for The Help (2011);Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids (2011); Carey Mulligan for Shame (2011); Shailene Woodley for The Descendants (2011)

Best Acting Ensemble

WINNER: The Help (2011)

Other Nominees: The Artist (2011); Bridesmaids (2011); The Descendants (2011); The Ides of March (2011)

Best Director

WINNER: Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist (2011)

Other Nominees: Stephen Daldry for Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011); Alexander Payne for The Descendants (2011); Nicolas Winding Refn for Drive (2011); Martin Scorsese for Hugo (2011/II); Steven Spielberg for War Horse (2011)

Best Original Screenplay

WINNER: Midnight in Paris (2011): Woody Allen

Other Nominees: The Artist (2011): Michel Hazanavicius; 50/50 (2011): Will Reiser ; Win Win (2011): Thomas McCarthy, Joe Tiboni ; Young Adult (2011): Diablo Cody

Best Adapted Screenplay

WINNER: Moneyball (2011): Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, Stan Chervin

Other Nominees: The Descendants (2011): Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash; Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011): Eric Roth ; The Help (2011): Tate Taylor; Hugo (2011/II): John Logan

Best Animated Feature

WINNER: Rango (2011)

Other Nominees: The Adventures of Tintin (2011); Arthur Christmas (2011); Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011); Puss in Boots (2011)

Best Young Actor/Actress

WINNER: Thomas Horn for Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)

Other Nominees: Asa Butterfield for Hugo (2011/II); Elle Fanning for Super 8 (2011); Ezra Miller for We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011); Saoirse Ronan for Hanna (2011); Shailene Woodley for The Descendants (2011)

Best Action Movie

WINNER: Drive (2011)

Other Nominees: Fast & Furious 5 (2011); Hanna (2011); Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011); Super 8 (2011)

Best Comedy Movie

WINNER: Bridesmaids (2011)

Other Nominees: Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011); Horrible Bosses (2011); Midnight in Paris (2011); The Muppets (2011)

Best Foreign Language Film

WINNER: A Separation (2011)

Other Nominees: In Darkness (2011); Le Havre (2011); The Skin I Live In (2011); Where Do We Go Now? (2011)

Best Documentary Feature

WINNER: George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011)

Other Nominees:Buck (2011); Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010); Page One: Inside the New York Times (2011); Project Nim (2011); Undefeated (2011)

Best Song

WINNER: The Muppets (2011): Bret McKenzie("Life's a Happy Song")

Other Nominees: Gnomeo & Juliet (2011): Elton John, Bernie Taupin("Hello Hello"); The Help (2011): Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr.("The Living Proof"); The Muppets (2011): Bret McKenzie("Man or Muppet"); The Muppets (2011): Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, Chen Neeman("Pictures in My Head")

Best Score

WINNER: The Artist (2011): Ludovic Bource

Other Nominees: Drive (2011): Cliff Martinez; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011): Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross ; Hugo (2011/II): Howard Shore ; War Horse (2011): John Williams

Best Cinematography

WINNERS: The Tree of Life (2011): Emmanuel Lubezki; War Horse (2011): Janusz Kaminski

Other Nominees: The Artist (2011): Guillaume Schiffman; Drive (2011): Newton Thomas Sigel; Hugo (2011/II): Robert Richardson

Best Art Direction

WINNER: Hugo (2011/II): Dante Ferretti, Francesca Lo Schiavo

Other Nominees: The Artist (2011): Laurence Bennett, Gregory S. Hooper ; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011): Stuart Craig, Stephenie McMillan ; The Tree of Life (2011): Jack Fisk, David Crank ; War Horse (2011): Rick Carter, Lee Sandales

Best Editing

WINNER: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011): Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall

Other Nominees: The Artist (2011): Michel Hazanavicius, Anne-Sophie Bion; Drive (2011): Matthew Newman ; Hugo (2011/II): Thelma Schoonmaker ; War Horse (2011): Michael Kahn

Best Costume Design

WINNER: The Artist (2011): Mark Bridges

Other Nominees: The Help (2011): Sharen Davis ; Hugo (2011/II): Sandy Powell ; Jane Eyre (2011): Michael O'Connor ; My Week with Marilyn (2011): Jill Taylor

Best Makeup

WINNER: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

Other Nominees: ; Albert Nobbs (2011); The Iron Lady (2011); J. Edgar (2011); My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Best Visual Effects

WINNER: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Other Nominees: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011); Hugo (2011/II); Super 8 (2011); The Tree of Life (2011)

Best Sound

WINNER: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

Other Nominees: Hugo (2011/II); Super 8 (2011); The Tree of Life (2011); War Horse (2011)

Academy Awards 2011

2011-02-28T21:55:00.003+11:00

The winners and nominees of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, held 27 January 2011:

Best Motion Picture of the Year
The King's Speech
Other Nominees: 127 Hours ; Black Swan ; The Fighter ; Inception ; The Kids Are All Right ; The Social Network ; Toy Story 3 ; True Grit ; Winter's Bone

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Colin Firth for The King's Speech
Other Nominees: Javier Bardem for Biutiful ; Jeff Bridges for True Grit ; Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network ; James Franco for 127 Hours

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Natalie Portman for Black Swan
Other Nominees: Annette Bening for The Kids Are All Right ; Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole ; Jennifer Lawrence for Winter's Bone ; Michelle Williams for Blue Valentine

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale for The Fighter
Other Nominees: John Hawkes for Winter's Bone; Jeremy Renner for The Town ; Mark Ruffalo for The Kids Are All Right ; Geoffrey Rush for The King's Speech

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Melissa Leo for The Fighter
Other Nominees: Amy Adams for The Fighter ; Helena Bonham Carter for The King's Speech ; Hailee Steinfeld for True Grit ; Jacki Weaver for Animal Kingdom

Best Achievement in Directing
Tom Hooper for The King's Speech
Other Nominees: Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan ; Ethan Coen, Joel Coen for True Grit ; David Fincher for The Social Network ; David O. Russell for The Fighter

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
The King's Speech - David Seidler
Other Nominees: Another Year - Mike Leigh ; The Fighter - Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Keith Dorrington ; Inception - Christopher Nolan ; The Kids Are All Right - Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
The Social Network - Aaron Sorkin
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy; Toy Story 3 - Michael Arndt, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich ; True Grit - Joel Coen, Ethan Coen ; Winter's Bone - Debra Granik, Anne Rosellini

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Toy Story 3 - Lee Unkrich
Other Nominees: How to Train Your Dragon - Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders ; The Illusionist - Sylvain Chomet

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
In a Better World - Susanne Bier(Denmark)
Other Nominees: Biutiful - Alejandro González Iñárritu(Mexico); Dogtooth - Giorgos Lanthimos(Greece) ; Incendies - Denis Villeneuve(Canada) ; Outside the Law - Rachid Bouchareb(Algeria)

Best Achievement in Cinematography
Inception - Wally Pfister
Other Nominees: Black Swan - Matthew Libatique ; The King's Speech - Danny Cohen ; The Social Network - Jeff Cronenweth ; True Grit - Roger Deakins

Best Achievement in Editing
The Social Network - Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - Jon Harris ; Black Swan - Andrew Weisblum ; The Fighter - Pamela Martin ; The King's Speech - Tariq Anwar

Best Achievement in Art Direction
Alice in Wonderland - Robert Stromberg, Karen O'Hara
Other Nominees: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 - Stuart Craig, Stephenie McMillan ; Inception - Guy Hendrix Dyas, Larry Dias, Douglas A. Mowat; The King's Speech - Eve Stewart, Judy Farr ; True Grit - Jess Gonchor, Nancy Haigh

Best Achievement in Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland - Colleen Atwood
Other Nominees: I Am Love - Antonella Cannarozzi ; The King's Speech - Jenny Beavan ; The Tempest - Sandy Powell ; True Grit - Mary Zophres

Best Achievement in Makeup
The Wolfman - Rick Baker, Dave Elsey
Other Nominees: Barney's Version - Adrien Morot ; The Way Back - Edouard F. Henriques, Greg Funk, Yolanda Toussieng

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
The Social Network - Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - A.R. Rahman ; How to Train Your Dragon - John Powell ; Inception - Hans Zimmer ; The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
Toy Story 3 - Randy Newman("We Belong Together")
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - A.R. Rahman, , Dido("If I Rise") ; Country Strong - Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges("Coming Home") ; Tangled - Alan Menken, Glenn Slater("I See the Light")

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Inception - Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo, Ed Novick
Other Nominees: The King's Speech - Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen, John Midgley ; Salt - Jeffrey J. Haboush, William Sarokin, Scott Millan, Greg P. Russell ; The Social Network - Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick, Mark Weingarten ; True Grit - Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff, Peter F. Kurland

Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Inception - Richard King
Other Nominees: Toy Story 3 - Tom Myers, Michael Silvers ; TRON: Legacy - Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Addison Teague ; True Grit - Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey ; Unstoppable - Mark P. Stoeckinger

Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Inception - Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley, Pete Bebb, Paul J. Franklin
Other Nominees: Alice in Wonderland - Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas, Sean Phillips ; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 - Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz, Nicolas Aithadi ; Hereafter - Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky, Joe Farrell ; Iron Man 2 - Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright, Daniel Sudick

Best Documentary, Features
Inside Job - Charles Ferguson, Audrey Marrs
Other Nominees: Exit Through the Gift Shop - Banksy, Jaimie D'Cruz ; GasLand - Josh Fox, Trish Adlesic ; Restrepo - Tim Hetherington, Sebastian Junger ; Waste Land - Lucy Walker, Angus Aynsley

Best Documentary, Short Subjects
Strangers No More - Karen Goodman, Kirk Simon
Other Nominees: Killing in the Name - Jed Rothstein ; Poster Girl - Sara Nesson, Mitchell Block ; Sun Come Up - Jennifer Redfearn, Tim Metzger ; The Warriors of Qiugang - Ruby Yang, Thomas Lennon

Best Short Film, Animated
The Lost Thing - Shaun Tan, Andrew Ruhemann
Other Nominees: Day & Night - Teddy Newton ; The Gruffalo - Jakob Schuh, Max Lang ; Let's Pollute - Geefwee Boedoe ; Madagascar, a Journey Diary - Bastien Dubois

Best Short Film, Live Action
God of Love - Luke Matheny
Other Nominees: The Confession - Tanel Toom ; The Crush - Michael Creagh ; Na Wewe - Ivan Goldschmidt ; Wish 143 - Ian Barnes, Samantha Waite

BAFTA's 2011

2011-02-14T09:34:00.002+11:00

Best Film
WINNER : The King's Speech
Other Nominees: Black Swan ; Inception ; The Social Network ; True Grit

Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year
WINNER : The King's Speech
Other Nominees: 127 Hours ; Another Year ; Four Lions ; Made in Dagenham

Best Actor
WINNER : Colin Firth for The King's Speech
Other Nominees: Javier Bardem for Biutiful ; Jeff Bridges for True Grit ; Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network ; James Franco for 127 Hours

Best Actress
WINNER : Natalie Portman for Black Swan
Other Nominees: Annette Bening for The Kids Are All Right ; Julianne Moore for The Kids Are All Right ; Noomi Rapace for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ; Hailee Steinfeld for True Grit

Best Supporting Actor
WINNER : Geoffrey Rush for The King's Speech
Other Nominees: Christian Bale for The Fighter ; Andrew Garfield for The Social Network ; Pete Postlethwaite for The Town ; Mark Ruffalo for The Kids Are All Right

Best Supporting Actress
WINNER : Helena Bonham Carter for The King's Speech
Other Nominees: Amy Adams for The Fighter ; Barbara Hershey for Black Swan ; Lesley Manville for Another Year ; Miranda Richardson for Made in Dagenham

David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction
WINNER : David Fincher for The Social Network
Other Nominees: Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan ; Danny Boyle for 127 Hours ; Tom Hooper for The King's Speech ; Christopher Nolan for Inception

Best Screenplay (Original)
WINNER : The King's Speech - David Seidler
Other Nominees: Black Swan - Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, John J. McLaughlin ; The Fighter - Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson ; Inception - Christopher Nolan ; The Kids Are All Right - Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg

Best Screenplay (Adapted)
WINNER : The Social Network - Aaron Sorkin
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy ; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Rasmus Heisterberg, Nikolaj Arcel ; Toy Story 3 - Michael Arndt ; True Grit - Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Best Cinematography
WINNER : True Grit - Roger Deakins
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - Anthony Dod Mantle, Enrique Chediak ; Black Swan - Matthew Libatique ; Inception - Wally Pfister ; The King's Speech - Danny Cohen

Best Editing
WINNER : The Social Network - Angus Wall, Kirk Baxter
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - Jon Harris ; Black Swan - Andrew Weisblum ; Inception - Lee Smith ; The King's Speech - Tariq Anwar

Best Production Design
WINNER : Inception - Guy Hendrix Dyas, Larry Dias, Douglas A. Mowat
Other Nominees: Alice in Wonderland - Robert Stromberg, Karen O'Hara ; Black Swan - Thérèse DePrez, Tora Peterson ; The King's Speech - Eve Stewart, Judy Farr ; True Grit - Jess Gonchor, Nancy Haigh

Best Costume Design
WINNER : Alice in Wonderland - Colleen Atwood
Other Nominees: Black Swan - Amy Westcott ; The King's Speech - Jenny Beavan ; Made in Dagenham - Louise Stjernsward ; True Grit - Mary Zophres

Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
WINNER : The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - A.R. Rahman ; Alice in Wonderland - Danny Elfman ; How to Train Your Dragon - John Powell ; Inception - Hans Zimmer

Best Make Up/Hair
WINNER : Alice in Wonderland
Other Nominees: Black Swan ; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 ; The King's Speech ; Made in Dagenham

Best Sound
WINNER : Inception
Other Nominees: 127 Hours ; Black Swan ; The King's Speech ; True Grit

Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects
WINNER : Inception
Other Nominees: Alice in Wonderland ; Black Swan ; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 ; Toy Story 3

Best Film not in the English Language
WINNER : The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Other Nominees: Biutiful ; I Am Love ; Of Gods and Men ; The Secret in Their Eyes

Best Animated Feature Film
WINNER : Toy Story 3
Other Nominees: Despicable Me ; How to Train Your Dragon

Orange Rising Star Award
WINNER : Tom Hardy
Other Nominees: Gemma Arterton ; Andrew Garfield ; Aaron Johnson ; Emma Stone

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer
WINNER : Four Lions - Christopher Morris(Director/Writer)
Other Nominees: The Arbor - Clio Barnard, Tracy O'Riordan(Director, Producer) ; Exit Through the Gift Shop - Banksy, Jaimie D'Cruz(Director, Producer) ; Monsters - Gareth Edwards(Director/Writer); Skeletons - Nick Whitfield(Director/Writer)

Best Short Animation
WINNER : The Eagleman Stag
Other Nominees: Matter Fisher ; Thursday

Best Short Film
WINNER : Until the River Runs Red
Other Nominees: Connect ; Lin ; Rite ; Turning

Academy Awards 2011 - nominees

2011-01-28T21:49:00.001+11:00

And the Oscar nominees are:

Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem in Biutiful
Jeff Bridges in True Grit
Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network
Colin Firth in The King's Speech
James Franco in 127 Hours

Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale in The Fighter
John Hawkes in Winter's Bone
Jeremy Renner in The Town
Mark Ruffalo in The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush in The King's Speech

Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in The Kids Are All Right
Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence in Winter's Bone
Natalie Portman in Black Swan
Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine

Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams in The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech
Melissa Leo in The Fighter
Hailee Steinfeld in True Grit
Jacki Weaver in Animal Kingdom

Animated Feature Film
How to Train Your Dragon - Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
The Illusionist - Sylvain Chomet
Toy Story 3 - Lee Unkrich

Art Direction
Alice in Wonderland - Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
Inception - Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
The King's Speech - Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
True Grit - Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

Cinematography
Black Swan - Matthew Libatique
Inception - Wally Pfister
The King's Speech - Danny Cohen
The Social Network - Jeff Cronenweth
True Grit - Roger Deakins

Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland - Colleen Atwood
I Am Love - Antonella Cannarozzi
The King's Speech - Jenny Beavan
The Tempest - Sandy Powell
True Grit - Mary Zophres

Directing
Black Swan - Darren Aronofsky
The Fighter - David O. Russell
The King's Speech - Tom Hooper
The Social Network - David Fincher
True Grit - Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Documentary (Feature)
Exit through the Gift Shop - Banksy and Jaimie D'Cruz
Gasland - Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
Inside Job - Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
Restrepo - Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
Waste Land - Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley

Documentary (Short Subject)
Killing in the Name - Nominees to be determined
Poster Girl - Nominees to be determined
Strangers No More - Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon
Sun Come Up - Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger
The Warriors of Qiugang - Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon

Film Editing
Black Swan - Andrew Weisblum
The Fighter - Pamela Martin
The King's Speech - Tariq Anwar
127 Hours - Jon Harris
The Social Network - Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

Foreign Language Film
Biutiful - Mexico
Dogtooth - Greece
In a Better World - Denmark
Incendies - Canada
Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi) - Algeria

Make-Up
Barney's Version - Adrien Morot
The Way Back - Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
The Wolfman - Rick Baker and Dave Elsey

Music (Original Score)
How to Train Your Dragon - John Powell
Inception - Hans Zimmer
The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat
127 Hours - A.R. Rahman
The Social Network - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Music (Original Song)
Coming Home from Country Strong - Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
I See the Light from Tangled - Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater
If I Rise from 127 Hours - Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
We Belong Together from Toy Story 3 - Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Best Picture
Black Swan - Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
The Fighter - David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
Inception - Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
The Kids Are All Right - Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray,

Producers
The King's Speech - Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
127 Hours - Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
The Social Network - Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
Toy Story 3 - Darla K. Anderson, Producer
True Grit - Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
Winter's Bone - Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers

Short Film (Animated)
Day & Night - Teddy Newton
The Gruffalo - Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
Let's Pollute - Geefwee Boedoe
The Lost Thing - Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
Madagascar, Carnet de Voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary) - Bastien Dubois

Short Film (Live Action)
The Confession - Tanel Toom
The Crush - Michael Creagh
God of Love - Luke Matheny
Na Wewe - Ivan Goldschmidt
Wish 143 - Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite

Sound Editing
Inception - Richard King
Toy Story 3 - Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
Tron: Legacy - Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
True Grit - Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
Unstoppable - Mark P. Stoeckinger

Sound Mixing
Inception - Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
The King's Speech - Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
Salt - Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
The Social Network - Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
True Grit - Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland

Visual Effects
Alice in Wonderland - Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
Hereafter - Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojanski and Joe Farrell
Inception - Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
Iron Man 2 - Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
127 Hours - Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
The Social Network - Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
Toy Story 3 - Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
True Grit - Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Winter's Bone - Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini

Writing (Original Screenplay)
Another Year - Written by Mike Leigh
The Fighter - Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson; story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
Inception - Written by Christopher Nolan
The Kids Are All Right - Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
The King's Speech - Screenplay by David Seidler

Who do you think should win!?

68th Annual Golden Globe Awards

2011-01-18T14:51:00.003+11:00

Held 16 January 2011

Best Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER The Social Network
Other Nominees: Black Swan ; The Fighter ; Inception ; The King's Speech.

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER The Kids Are All Right
Other Nominees: Alice in Wonderland ; Burlesque ; Red ; The Tourist.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER Colin Firth for The King's Speech
Other Nominees: Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network ; James Franco for 127 Hours ; Ryan Gosling for Blue Valentine ; Mark Wahlberg for The Fighter.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER Natalie Portman for Black Swan
Other Nominees: Halle Berry for Frankie and Alice ; Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole ; Jennifer Lawrence for Winter's Bone ; Michelle Williams for Blue Valentine.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER Paul Giamatti for Barney's Version
Other Nominees: Johnny Depp for The Tourist ; Johnny Depp for Alice in Wonderland ; Jake Gyllenhaal for Love and Other Drugs ; Kevin Spacey for Casino Jack.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER Annette Bening for The Kids Are All Right
Other Nominees: Anne Hathaway for Love and Other Drugs ; Angelina Jolie for The Tourist ; Julianne Moore for The Kids Are All Right ; Emma Stone for Easy A.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER Christian Bale for The Fighter
Other Nominees: Michael Douglas for Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps ; Andrew Garfield for The Social Network ; Jeremy Renner for The Town ; Geoffrey Rush for The King's Speech

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER Melissa Leo for The Fighter
Other Nominees: Amy Adams for The Fighter ; Helena Bonham Carter for The King's Speech ; Mila Kunis for Black Swan ; Jacki Weaver for Animal Kingdom.

Best Director - Motion Picture
WINNER David Fincher for The Social Network
Other Nominees: Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan ; Tom Hooper for The King's Speech ;
Christopher Nolan for Inception ; David O. Russell for The Fighter.

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
WINNER The Social Network - Aaron Sorkin
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy ; Inception - Christopher Nolan ; The Kids Are All Right - Stuart Blumberg, Lisa Cholodenko; The King's Speech - David Seidler

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
WINNER Burlesque - Diane Warren("You Haven't Seen The Last of Me")
Other Nominees: Burlesque - Samuel Dixon, Christina Aguilera, Sia Furler("Bound to You"); Country Strong - Bob DiPiero, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges("Coming Home"); The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Carrie Underwood, David Hodges, Hillary Lindsey("There's A Place For Us") ; Tangled - Alan Menken, Glenn Slater("I See the Light")

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
WINNER The Social Network - Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
Other Nominees: 127 Hours - A.R. Rahman ; Alice in Wonderland - Danny Elfman ; Inception - Hans Zimmer ; The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat

Best Animated Film
WINNER Toy Story 3
Other Nominees: Despicable Me ; How to Train Your Dragon ; The Illusionist ; Tangled.

Best Foreign Language Film
WINNER In a Better World (Denmark)
Other Nominees: Biutiful (Mexico/Spain); The Concert (France); The Edge (Russia); I Am Love (Italy)

Best Television Series - Drama
WINNER "Boardwalk Empire"
Other Nominees: "Dexter" ; "The Good Wife" ; "Mad Men" ; "The Walking Dead"

Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER "Glee"
Other Nominees: "The Big Bang Theory" ; "The Big C" ; "Modern Family" ; "Nurse Jackie" ; "30 Rock".

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER "Carlos"
Other Nominees: "The Pacific" ; "The Pillars of the Earth" ; Temple Grandin ; You Don't Know Jack.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER Al Pacino for You Don't Know Jack
Other Nominees: Idris Elba for "Luther" ; Ian McShane for "The Pillars of the Earth" ; Dennis Quaid for The Special Relationship ; Édgar Ramírez for "Carlos"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER Claire Danes for Temple Grandin
Other Nominees: Hayley Atwell for "The Pillars of the Earth" ; Judi Dench for "Cranford" ; Romola Garai for "Emma" ; Jennifer Love Hewitt for The Client List.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER Jim Parsons for "The Big Bang Theory"
Other Nominees: Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock" ; Steve Carell for "The Office: US Version" ; Thomas Jane for "Hung" ; Matthew Morrison for "Glee"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER Laura Linney for "The Big C"
Other Nominees: Toni Collette for "United States of Tara" ; Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie" ; Tina Fey for "30 Rock" ; Lea Michele for "Glee"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama
WINNER Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk Empire"
Other Nominees: Bryan Cranston for "Breaking Bad" ; Michael C. Hall for "Dexter" ;
Jon Hamm for "Mad Men" ; Hugh Laurie for "House"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
WINNER Katey Sagal for "Sons of Anarchy"
Other Nominees: Julianna Margulies for "The Good Wife" ; Elisabeth Moss for "Mad Men" ; Piper Perabo for "Covert Affairs" ; Kyra Sedgwick for "The Closer"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER Chris Colfer for "Glee"
Other Nominees: Scott Caan for "Hawaii Five-0" ; Chris Noth for "The Good Wife" ; Eric Stonestreet for "Modern Family" ; David Strathairn for Temple Grandin

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER Jane Lynch for "Glee"
Other Nominees: Hope Davis for The Special Relationship ; Kelly Macdonald for "Boardwalk Empire" ; Julia Stiles for "Dexter" ; Sofía Vergara for "Modern Family"

16th Annual Critics Choice Awards

2011-01-18T14:30:00.003+11:00

Held 14 January 2011 at the Hollywood Palladium.

Best Picture
The Social Network

Other Nominees: 127 Hours; Black Swan ; The Fighter; Inception ; The King's Speech ; The Town ; Toy Story 3 ; True Grit; Winter's Bone.

Best Actor
Colin Firth for The King's Speech

Other Nominees: Jeff Bridges for True Grit; Robert Duvall for Get Low ; Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network ; James Franco for 127 Hours ; Ryan Gosling for Blue Valentine.

Best Actress
Natalie Portman for Black Swan

Other Nominees: Annette Bening for The Kids Are All Right; Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole ; Jennifer Lawrence for Winter's Bone ; Noomi Rapace for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ; Michelle Williams for Blue Valentine.

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale for The Fighter

Other Nominees:
Andrew Garfield for The Social Network ; Jeremy Renner for The Town ; Sam Rockwell for Conviction ; Mark Ruffalo for The Kids Are All Right ; Geoffrey Rush for The King's Speech.

Best Supporting Actress
Melissa Leo for The Fighter

Other Nominees: Amy Adams for The Fighter ; Helena Bonham Carter for The King's Speech ; Mila Kunis for Black Swan ; Hailee Steinfeld for True Grit ; Jacki Weaver for Animal Kingdom.

Best Acting Ensemble
The Fighter

Other Nominees: The Kids Are All Right ; The King's Speech ; The Social Network ;
The Town.

Best Director
David Fincher for The Social Network

Other Nominees: Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan ; Danny Boyle for 127 Hours ; Joel Coen, Ethan Coen for True Grit ; Tom Hooper for The King's Speech ; Christopher Nolan for Inception.

Best Original Screenplay
The King's Speech - David Seidler

Other Nominees: Another Year - Mike Leigh ; Black Swan - Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, John J. McLaughlin ; The Fighter - Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson ; Inception - Christopher Nolan ; The Kids Are All Right - Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Social Network - Aaron Sorkin

Other Nominees: 127 Hours - Simon Beaufoy, Danny Boyle ; The Town - Ben Affleck, Peter Craig, Sheldon Turner ; Toy Story 3 - Michael Arndt, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich ; True Grit - Joel Coen, Ethan Coen ; Winter's Bone - Debra Granik, Anne Rosellini

Best Animated Feature
Toy Story 3

Other Nominees: Despicable Me ; How to Train Your Dragon ; The Illusionist ; Tangled.

Best Young Actor/Actress
Hailee Steinfeld for True Grit

Other Nominees: Elle Fanning for Somewhere ; Jennifer Lawrence for Winter's Bone ; Chloe Moretz for Let Me In ; Chloe Moretz for Kick-Ass ; Kodi Smit-McPhee for Let Me In.

Best Action Movie
Inception

Other Nominees: Kick-Ass ; Red ; The Town ; Unstoppable.

Best Comedy Movie
Easy A

Other Nominees: Cyrus ; Date Night ; Get Him to the Greek ; I Love You Phillip Morris ; The Other Guys.

Best Foreign Language Film
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Other Nominees: Biutiful ; I Am Love.

Best Documentary Feature
Waiting for Superman

Other Nominees: Exit Through the Gift Shop ; Inside Job ; Restrepo ; Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work ; The Tillman Story.

Best Song
127 Hours ("If I Rise")

Other Nominees: Burlesque ("You Haven't Seen the Last of Me Yet") ; Tangled ("I See the Light") ; Toy Story 3 ("We Belong Together") ; Waiting for Superman ("Shine")

Best Composer
The Social Network - Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross

Other Nominees: Black Swan - Clint Mansell ; Inception - Hans Zimmer ; The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat ; True Grit - Carter Burwell

Best Picture Made for Television
"The Pacific"

Other Nominees: Temple Grandin ; You Don't Know Jack.

Best Cinematography
Inception

Other Nominees: 127 Hours ; Black Swan ; The King's Speech ; True Grit.

Best Art Direction
Inception

Other Nominees: Alice in Wonderland ; Black Swan ; The King's Speech ; True Grit.

Best Editing
Inception

Other Nominees: 127 Hours ; Black Swan ; The Social Network.

Best Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland

Other Nominees: Black Swan ; The King's Speech ; True Grit.

Best Makeup
Alice in Wonderland

Other Nominees: Black Swan ; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Best Visual Effects
Inception

Other Nominees: Alice in Wonderland ; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 ; TRON: Legacy.

Best Sound
Inception

Other Nominees: 127 Hours ; Black Swan ; The Social Network ; Toy Story 3

The Puzzle Ring by Kate Forsyth

2011-01-03T12:47:00.005+11:00

Review from Celia, age 9:

Hannah lives in Australia and is 13 years old, but she is meant to be in Scotland and be called Lady Hannah. One day, Hannah and her mum get a letter from Hannah's grandmother who lives in a castle in Scotland. Hannah talks her mum into going to Scotland to visit.

When they get there, Hannah finds a hag-stone at the Witch's Pool and an old rusted key in her Dad's old bedroom. Her dad has been missing for 13 years. Everybody says different things about where her father went, but he actually went through a portal into the time of Mary Queen of Scots. With the hag-stone you can see stuff that used to be there and magic things. With the key she could unlock a door in the music room that was her Dad's study.

Hannah meets other kids her age and makes friends. Then on a thin day she is going to go through the portal when her friends show up and argue that she didn't tell them she was going to leave. They all go back in time to the time of Mary Queen of Scots where they look for the pieces of the puzzle ring that may bring her father back and break the curse on Wintersloe Castle.

Eglantyne of the Fair Folk was married to one of Hannah's ancestors, she put a curse on Wintersloe Castle because people thought she was a witch and they tried to kill her as they burned witches in those days. She threw her puzzle ring into the air and sent them to the four corners of the world, so it couldn't be put back together and break the curse.

There, they meet an evil witch named Irata (don't say her name out loud!). They find all four pieces of the puzzle ring by using the hag-stone and find Hannah's father and escape back home.

In the nearby village there is a lady called Morgana Underhill, who is a descendant of the Morgana who was sister to Eglantyne. Hannah summons Irata by saying her name nine times. Irata comes through the portal and Morgana traps Irata in a mirror which they throw into the loch and the curse is broken. Morgana goes to be queen of the Fair Folk and for the rest of the years, everybody was happy at Wintersloe.

Comment on why she liked it : "Because it went back in time to the time of Mary Queen of Scots and had magic in it."

Torment by Lauren Kate

2011-01-02T22:06:00.005+11:00

Having read the first in this series, Fallen, last year I was keen to read this sequel.

At the end of Fallen, Luce learned of the real identity of a number of her classmates at the Sword & Cross school and realised that the man she had fallen instantly and inexplicably in love with (Daniel) was an angel. She learned of his immortal status and her previous relationships with him, a relationship repeated every 17 years, as in each life a kiss with Daniel would result in her fiery doom. The story concluded with a battle between angels and demons, Luce being almost killed by an Elder, saved by angels and whisked away to safety by a mortal but angel-friendly teacher.

The prologue in Torment set some of the scene of the truce between angels and demons in order to allow both sides time to destroy other players in the game - the Outcasts (angels that were barred from entering both heaven and hell) and the Elders. Hints are given that Luce's mortality in this life (due to never having been baptised) has changed the state of play dramatically and it is imperative that she is kept safe and alive.

Chapter 1 ignored the epilogue from Fallen and started with Luce aboard a flight to California on her way to a new school - Shoreline - organised by Daniel. This turns out to be a school of 'gifted' and elite students. The gifted students in particular being nephilim - the offspring of angels and mortals who have some angelic abilities. Luce is placed in a dormitory with Shelby, an ascerbic character who I spent almost the whole book wondering if she is on the side of good or evil. A couple of bouncy girls make her feel a bit more at ease, and a boy, Miles, becomes a friend she feels she can confide in.

The book covers a period of a mere 17 days - from the beginning of the truce to the day before it ends. During this time, Luce is asked and warned to stay within the campus grounds, but irritatingly, Luce keeps endangering herself (and potentially her rescuers) as she travels away from the school a number of times.

Luce learns a little of the nephilim world and the some of the things that they can manipulate in the world around them. She sees Daniel a few times but although her heart sings at a glimpse of him, the stubborn side of her continually surfaces when she wants to know more and he won't tell her. This goes for her new angel/demon teachers too - although the demon one at least gives her a few hints.

She misses her family and her old school friend Callie and at this school there is no bar to her accessing a phone or email, yet she declines to have more than cursory contact with them during her stay which is a puzzling change from her mindset in the last book.

Thanksgiving arrives and she is surprised to be allowed home to her parents for the day - along with a host of angels, demons and nephilim, as well as her friend Callie. Word has leaked out however as to her location and a battle starts with the Outcasts who see Luce as their key back into heaven. The story concludes with Luce running away and avoiding everyone that cares for her.

Overall, I found the book very frustrating and started to wonder if the title was aptly named for the reader. So little was learned to advance the plot and add depth to the story. The characters were mostly shallow sketches and a number of them acted in ways that made little sense.

Luce repeatedly acted disappointed/upset/annoyed and frankly came across as quite bratty. She was constantly annoyed with not knowing enough about her situation yet didn't seek out the angel-teacher who had offered her help on arrival at the school, nor did she actively seek Arriane when she made an appearance back in the story to find out more. At the conclusion of Fallen, Luce was given a book by Gabe on angels/watchers that must have contained pertinent information, yet no mention is made of this at all and she even acts vague about the whole topic when talking to Daniel about it on her way to Shoreline. Was Luce so struck into immobility in the days between her rescue and her setting off to Shoreline that she couldn't open a book? One must assume so. She continues throughout the book as needing everything spelled out letter by letter for her, otherwise she becomes despondent and annoyed and almost a damsel in distress (yet annoyed by being rescued and treated as such).

She latches on to one lesson - that about the Announcers (or shadows) and learns to use them for the memories they hold as she seems fixated on finding out more about her past relationships with Daniel and her past lives families. Consequently we are taken on many a side trip that don't really add much to the story, so one hopes that they will come have a meaning in the next book.

Basically her character annoyed me terribly!

Whilst the reader can see that Daniel is afraid to tell her anything - worried that too much information will kill her and hoping that she can work it out herself - it is easy for the reader to see that telling her these small facts would certainly have eased the situation. Is Daniel really so dense after living for thousands of years, or is the fault of the writer purposefully using lack of information as a device for keeping everyone (her characters and her readers) guessing?

Daniel's character could have been improved upon as well - he gets very little character development and seems to perpetually be mooning after Luce. He only gets a starring role at the beginning and end of the book (where we finally get to see some more human traits like jealousy and pain). Otherwise he is limited to only quick appearances. Add this to the fact none of the nephilim seem to want to talk about him (even though the Daniel/Lucinda story has entered angel folklore) and the result is that both Luce and the reader are kept in the dark.

Most disappointing of all is that the sweet romance and gut twisting emotion that the first book had is missing and the book definitely suffers from the lack of this ingredient.

I think the writer has done her readers a disservice by not enlightening them but rather hoping that hints will be sufficient to keep her readers returning. She may be sadly mistaken.

I hold out hope that the next novel, Passion, will tidy things up. However, given the vagueness of the first two stories, I have to wonder if Lauren Kate even knows where it is heading.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2010-11-12T18:20:00.005+11:00

Having read and enjoyed a couple of Neil Gaiman's books - notabably the Anansi Boys and Stardust - I was given The Graveyard Book to read, and I'm so glad I did.

Aimed at all ages, but principally a children's book, it is a typical Neil Gaiman book - just a little off centre, or almost normal,but with a supernatural twist.

A toddler escapes his bed at the precise moment that the rest of his family are murdered by a knife wielding "Jack". The child toddles out, along the road and into an old graveyard where the residents take it upon themselves to protect and look after him by giving him the Freedom of the Graveyard.

He becomes Nobody (Bod) Owens and grows up quite normal - even if he does happen to have parents, carers, teachers and friends that have long since passed over and are invisible to everyone else. Chats with, for example, long dead poets, an old Roman, ghouls and even the non-dead (but not alive either) make for a emminently enjoyable read.

His education is, to say the least, interesting. Of course instruction in things like how to Fade, Dreamwalk and ask for help in numerous supernatural languages, is of questionable benefit in the land of the living. Nevertheless, he IS a living boy and as such does long to be outside the graveyard. However venturing outside also means that his protectors have limited power to help him and the mysterious Jack could find him again and finally finish his work of so many years ago.

An adventure story sprinkled with wisdom, mystery and excitement, I urge you to read and enjoy.... and start looking for more books by this wonderful author.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

2010-03-12T20:20:00.006+11:00

A Newberry Medal winner, this book was recommended to me as a classic in children's literature and I really enjoyed the story.

Set in the late 17th century the story is about Kit Tyler, an independent and confident young lady (age 16) who travels from a relatively carefree life in Barbados to an Aunt who resides in cold and bleak Connecticut.

Having come from a life where she had been free to do as she wished, never expected to work and with a personal servant who had been with her since childhood, Kit finds her Aunt and Uncle's Puritan household to be overly strict and she can't help but rebel against the rules and restrictions they expect her to follow as a member of their family.

Kit is constantly at conflict with her Uncle and the expectations of the community's Puritan beliefs. After one such conflict she escapes the confines of the house to the peaceful meadows outside of the town. An old quaker widow, Hannah, lives there and all are warned to stay away as there are suspicions the woman could be a witch. However Kit finds comfort with Hannah who seems to have a calming influence on her and makes the rest of her life more bearable.

There are young men in Kit's life - the keen suitor William, the annoying but good looking sailor, Nat, and a divinity student John who is one of the few people she feels able to talk to beside her cousins Mercy and Judith.

As she has been well educated, Kit helps Mercy in 'the dame school' and befriends a little girl, Prudence, who she met on the last leg of her voyage and who is somewhat dazzled by the capable Kit. Kit works hard to overcome early objections to her by the community but her continued friendship with Hannah fuels suspicions. Combined with jealousy and fear this culminates in Kit being accused of witchcraft.

The book moves with a fast pace and there are occasions when you are filled with terror for what could happen to Kit. She is an easy character to identify with - after all, haven't we all wanted to rebel against people telling us what we can and can't do?

A great read for older children/young adults, or just the young at heart!

2010 Academy Awards

2010-03-08T16:04:00.005+11:00

L to R: Sandra Bullock, best actress winner ; Kathryn Bigelow winner of best director for the best movie, the Hurt Locker ; Jeff Bridges, best actor winner.

The 2010 Academy Awards was a glittering affair and rightly so. Dominated by wins by The Hurt Locker, these were the winners and nominees:

Best Motion Picture of the Year
WINNER : The Hurt Locker
Other Nominees: Avatar ; The Blind Side; District 9 ; An Education ; Inglourious Basterds ; Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire ; A Serious Man ; Up ;
Up in the Air

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
WINNER : Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart
Other Nominees: George Clooney for Up in the Air ; Colin Firth for A Single Man ; Morgan Freeman for Invictus ; Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
WINNER : Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side
Other Nominees: Helen Mirren for The Last Station ; Carey Mulligan for An Education ;
Gabourey Sidibe for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire ; Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
WINNER : Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds
Other Nominees: Matt Damon for Invictus ; Woody Harrelson for The Messenger ; Christopher Plummer for The Last Station ; Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
WINNER : Mo'Nique for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Other Nominees: Penélope Cruz for Nine ; Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air ; Maggie Gyllenhaal for Crazy Heart ; Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air

Best Achievement in Directing
WINNER : Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker
Other Nominees: James Cameron for Avatar ; Lee Daniels for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire ; Jason Reitman for Up in the Air ; Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
WINNER : The Hurt Locker - Mark Boal
Other Nominees: Inglourious Basterds - Quentin Tarantino ; The Messenger - Alessandro Camon, Oren Moverman ; A Serious Man - Joel Coen, Ethan Coen ; Up - Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Thomas McCarthy

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
WINNER : Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire - Geoffrey Fletcher
Other Nominees: District 9 - Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell ; An Education - Nick Hornby ; In the Loop - Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche ; Up in the Air - Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner

Best Achievement in Cinematography
WINNER : Avatar - Mauro Fiore
Other Nominees: Das weisse Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte - Christian Berger ; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Bruno Delbonnel ; The Hurt Locker - Barry Ackroyd ; Inglourious Basterds - Robert Richardson

Best Achievement in Editing
WINNER : The Hurt Locker - Bob Murawski, Chris Innis
Other Nominees: Avatar - Stephen E. Rivkin, John Refoua, James Cameron ; District 9 - Julian Clarke ; Inglourious Basterds - Sally Menke ; Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire - Joe Klotz

Best Achievement in Art Direction
WINNER : Avatar - Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg, Kim Sinclair
Other Nominees: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus - David Warren, Anastasia Masaro, Caroline Smith ; Nine - John Myhre, Gordon Sim ; Sherlock Holmes - Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer ; The Young Victoria - Patrice Vermette, Maggie Gray

Best Achievement in Costume Design
WINNER : The Young Victoria - Sandy Powell
Other Nominees: Bright Star - Janet Patterson ; Coco avant Chanel - Catherine Leterrier ; The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus - Monique Prudhomme ; Nine - Colleen Atwood

Best Achievement in Makeup
WINNER : Star Trek - Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, Joel Harlow
Other Nominees: Il divo - Aldo Signoretti, Vittorio Sodano ; The Young Victoria - John Henry Gordon, Jenny Shircore

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
WINNER : Up - Michael Giacchino
Other Nominees: Avatar - James Horner ; Fantastic Mr. Fox - Alexandre Desplat ; The Hurt Locker - Marco Beltrami, Buck Sanders ; Sherlock Holmes - Hans Zimmer

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
WINNER : Crazy Heart - T-Bone Burnett, Ryan Bingham("The Weary Kind")
Other Nominees: Faubourg 36 (2008): Reinhardt Wagner, Frank Thomas("Loin de Paname"); Nine - Maury Yeston("Take It All") ; The Princess and the Frog - Randy Newman("Almost There"); The Princess and the Frog - Randy Newman("Down in New Orleans")

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
WINNER : The Hurt Locker - Paul N.J. Ottosson, Ray Beckett
Other Nominees: Avatar - Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson, Tony Johnson ; Inglourious Basterds - Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti, Mark Ulano ; Star Trek - Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson, Peter J. Devlin ; Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Geoffrey Patterson

Best Achievement in Sound Editing
WINNER : The Hurt Locker - Paul N.J. Ottosson
Other Nominees: Avatar - Christopher Boyes, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle ; Inglourious Basterds - Wylie Stateman ; Star Trek - Mark P. Stoeckinger, Alan Rankin ; Up - Michael Silvers, Tom Myers

Best Achievement in Visual Effects
WINNER : Avatar - Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, Andy Jones
Other Nominees: District 9 - Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros, Matt Aitken ; Star Trek - Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh, Burt Dalton

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
WINNER : Up - Pete Docter
Other Nominees: Coraline - Henry Selick ; Fantastic Mr. Fox - Wes Anderson ; The Princess and the Frog - John Musker, Ron Clements ; The Secret of Kells - Tomm Moore

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
WINNER : El secreto de sus ojos (Argentina)
Other Nominees: Ajami (Israel); Das weisse Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte (Germany); Un prophète (France); La teta asustada (Peru)

Best Documentary, Features
WINNER : The Cove - Louie Psihoyos, Fisher Stevens
Other Nominees: Burma VJ: Reporter i et lukket land - Anders Østergaard, Lise Lense-Møller ; Food, Inc. - Robert Kenner, Elise Pearlstein ; The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers - Judith Ehrlich, Rick Goldsmith ; Which Way Home - Rebecca Cammisa

Best Documentary, Short Subjects
WINNER : Music by Prudence - Roger Ross Williams, Elinor Burkett
Other Nominees: China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province - Jon Alpert, Matthew O'Neill ; The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner - Daniel Junge, Henry Ansbacher ; The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant - Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert ; Królik po berlinsku - Bartosz Konopka, Anna Wydra

Best Short Film, Animated
WINNER : Logorama - Nicolas Schmerkin
Other Nominees: French Roast - Fabrice Joubert ; Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty - Nicky Phelan, Darragh O'Connell ; La dama y la muerte - Javier Recio Gracia ; Wallace and Gromit in 'A Matter of Loaf and Death'- Nick Park

Best Short Film, Live Action
WINNER : The New Tenants - Joachim Back, Tivi Magnusson
Other Nominees: The Door - Juanita Wilson, James Flynn ; Istället för abrakadabra - Patrik Eklund, Mathias Fjällström ; Kavi - Gregg Helvey ; Miracle Fish - Luke Doolan, Drew Bailey

2010 BAFTAs

2010-02-25T19:34:00.002+11:00

Earlier this week the 2010 BAFTAs were held in London. Here are the results:

Best Film
WINNER : The Hurt Locker (2008)
Other Nominees: Avatar (2009); An Education (2009); Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009); Up in the Air (2009/I)

Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year
WINNER : Fish Tank (2009)
Other Nominees: An Education (2009); In the Loop (2009); Moon (2009) ; Nowhere Boy (2009

Best Actor
WINNER : Colin Firth for A Single Man (2009)
Other Nominees: Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart (2009); George Clooney for Up in the Air (2009); Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker (2008) ; Andy Serkis for Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010)

Best Actress
WINNER : Carey Mulligan for An Education (2009)
Other Nominees: Saoirse Ronan for The Lovely Bones (2009) ; Gabourey Sidibe for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009) ; Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia (2009) ; Audrey Tautou for Coco avant Chanel (2009)

Best Supporting Actor
WINNER : Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Other Nominees: Alec Baldwin for It's Complicated (2009) ; Christian McKay for Me and Orson Welles (2008) ; Alfred Molina for An Education (2009) ; Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones (2009)

Best Supporting Actress
WINNER : Mo'Nique for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)
Other Nominees: Anne-Marie Duff for Nowhere Boy (2009) ; Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air (2009) ; Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air (2009) ; Kristin Scott Thomas for Nowhere Boy (2009)

David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction
WINNER : Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker (2008)
Other Nominees: Neill Blomkamp for District 9 (2009) ; James Cameron for Avatar (2009); Lone Scherfig for An Education (2009) ; Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Best Screenplay (Original)
WINNER : The Hurt Locker (2008): Mark Boal
Other Nominees: The Hangover (2009): Jon Lucas, Scott Moore ; Inglourious Basterds (2009): Quentin Tarantino ; A Serious Man (2009): Ethan Coen, Joel Coen ; Up (2009): Bob Peterson, Pete Docter

Best Screenplay (Adapted)
WINNER : Up in the Air (2009): Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner
Other Nominees: District 9 (2009): Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell ; An Education (2009): Nick Hornby ; In the Loop (2009): Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche ; Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009): Geoffrey Fletcher

Best Cinematography
WINNER : The Hurt Locker (2008)
Other Nominees: Avatar (2009) ; District 9 (2009) ; Inglourious Basterds (2009); The Road (2009)

Best Editing
WINNER : The Hurt Locker (2008)
Other Nominees: Avatar (2009) ; District 9 (2009) ;Inglourious Basterds (2009) ; Up in the Air (2009)

Best Production Design
WINNER : Avatar (2009)
Other Nominees: District 9 (2009); Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) ;
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) ; Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Best Costume Design
WINNER : The Young Victoria (2009)
Other Nominees: Bright Star (2009) ; Coco avant Chanel (2009) ; An Education (2009) ;
A Single Man (2009)

Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
WINNER : Up (2009): Michael Giacchino
Other Nominees: Avatar (2009): James Horner ; Crazy Heart (2009): T-Bone Burnett, Stephen Bruton ; Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Alexandre Desplat ; Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010): Chaz Jankel

Best Make Up/Hair
WINNER : The Young Victoria (2009)
Other Nominees: Coco avant Chanel (2009) ; An Education (2009) ; The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) ; Nine (2009)

Best Sound
WINNER : The Hurt Locker (2008)
Other Nominees: Avatar (2009) ; District 9 (2009) ; Star Trek (2009) ; Up (2009)

Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects
WINNER : Avatar (2009)
Other Nominees: District 9 (2009) ; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) ; The Hurt Locker (2008); Star Trek (2009)

Best Film not in the English Language
WINNER : Un prophète (2009)
Other Nominees: Los abrazos rotos (2009) ; Coco avant Chanel (2009) ; Låt den rätte komma in (2008) ; Das weisse Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte (2009)

Best Animated Feature Film
WINNER : Up (2009)
Other Nominees: Coraline (2009) ; Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Orange Rising Star Award
WINNER : Kristen Stewart
Other Nominees: Jesse Eisenberg ; Nicholas Hoult ; Carey Mulligan ; Tahar Rahim

Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer
WINNER : Duncan Jones for Moon (2009)(Director)
Other Nominees: Lucy Bailey, Andrew Thompson, Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, David Pearson for Mugabe and the White African (2009)(Directors, Producers) ; Eran Creevy for Shifty (2008)(Writer/Director) ; Stuart Hazeldine for Exam (2009)(Writer/Director) ; Sam Taylor Wood for Nowhere Boy (2009)(Director)

Best Short Animation
WINNER : Mother of Many
Other Nominees: The Gruffalo (2009); The Happy Duckling (2008)

Best Short Film
WINNER : I Do Air (2009)
Other Nominees: 14 (2008) ; Jade (2009) ; Mixtape (2009) ; Off Season (2009)

The Kingdom by Jennifer McBay Barry

2010-02-04T12:40:00.003+11:00

I read this book as part of a book club read. Unfortunately it is not available in Australia (at least through Independent booksellers and the main book chains), whether this is because it was only recently published or because it was a short first print run I'm not sure, but I had to obtain it overseas. It IS stocked by Amazon.com at the moment.

The first thing that struck me about the book is that it is quite a slim volume. In the large paperback format it is a mere 237 pages. In the YA category it's written simply and its size makes it is a nice, quick read!

The story is set in modern day Ireland and is written from the viewpoint of Rioghan, an incredibly handsome young man that we quickly learn has unearthly charms and talents. Toying with people's emotions he is clearly bored yet little things he does shows he really does care - providing it doesn't involve him!

Upon meeting the sharp-tongued, red haired Lily, daughter of a famous opera singer, he feels a niggle of something more. She doesn't fall for his charms and he starts to find her fascinating. The more Lily resists Rioghan, the more he feels and soon she becomes the centre of his universe.

The story is a wonderful blend of mythology and legend, of an immortal/ mortal relationship and of finding what is most important versus what you are expected to do.

The picturesque country of Ireland, described so well, provides a wonderful setting for this modern fairy tale.

Although I wasn't immediately impressed, the characters are interesting, have a depth to them that made me want to know more and I was soon in the can't-put-it-down mode! I couldn't help but think back on the legends and stories of the past and everything became completely plausible. By the end I was disappointed that there weren't a few hundred more pages!

I do have a bit of a problem with a couple of the terms used (eg. 'fairy' seems a bit light for the story and perhaps a more archaic spelling or term, eg 'faerie' or 'fair folk' would raise the level a little) but this is a fairly minor concern.

This is the start of a series and I must say that I am looking forward to reading more about Rioghan and his Kingdom in the future!

100 Cupboards by N D Wilson

2010-02-03T21:09:00.003+11:00

On the recommendation of my local bookstore I bought this for my son earlier last year. My requirements were that he needed a novel - something a boy would like with some adventure, perhaps a little magic and aimed at his age (11/12).

He liked the look of it, started it, loved it and about 2/3 of the way through he stopped. It languished for months on his bedside table being overtaken by shorter novels borrowed from the school library. He finally started it again during the holidays and then put it down a couple of chapters from the end as it was a bit scary to read at night!

He finally finished it (during the daytime) and I finally got a chance to read it (he's quite strict that I CANNOT read his books before he does).

The story starts in a small country town named Henry in the state of Kansas. A young (12 y.o.) boy (also called Henry) who has lived a very sheltered, protected life goes to live with his Aunt and Uncle after his parents have been taken hostage while on a bicycle tour of Colombia. His Aunt Dotty is a friendly, frugal woman, his uncle is tall, thin and appears a little absent minded, however he deals well with the out-of-his-element Henry, and to top it off, his three cousins are all girls! The large front bedroom of the house is mysteriously referred to as "Grandfather's Room" but it has been locked since his death a couple of years previously and no-one can find the key to get in.

Henry is moved into the attic room where on his first night he hears some unusual scratching. He also sees coming out of the bathroom a mysterious short man in a purple robe who promptly becomes a hazy sort of memory.

On his second night, some plaster from the wall falls on his head and when he looks up, two small knobs are protruding from the plaster in the wall. Henry picks at the plaster and ends up uncovering, with his cousin Henrietta's help, a wall with 99 small cupboard doors that all appear locked.

Henry is wary, but Henrietta is excited and so the adventure begins. The mystery of the cupboards is slowly revealed, as Henry and Henrietta receive mysterious letters through them, realise that they are doors to other worlds, and have some quite scary moments before Henry finally starts using them.

The pace doesn't slacken, the momentum if anything keeps building and although there is a happy ending, there are some spine chilling events too!

I really enjoyed it, however I can see how my son got a little scared towards the end. The witch character is definitely not nice and the treatment is a little horror-style, albeit aimed at children. I am looking forward to reading the second instalment - the Dandelion Fire, although this may take months at son's previous reading rate!!

Some bestselling books and award winners from 2009

2010-02-03T20:36:00.004+11:00

I picked up a great reading guide from my local bookshop call "the Independent Book Guide" (Summer 2009) put out by a group of Australian independent booksellers.

Here are some interesting lists from the guide.

Bestsellers 2009 (Jan-Oct):

Fiction

The elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Breath by Tim Winton
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Non Fiction

Dreams From My Father by Barak Obama
The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
The Audacity of Hope by Barak Obama
Heaven and Earth by Ian Plimer
Geed Me Now by Bill Granger
The House At Salvation Creek by Susan Duncan
The SMH Food Guide
A Lion Called Christan by Bourke and Rendell

Children's books

Twilight Saga
The Diary of A Whimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
The Henderson Boys by Robert Muchamore
Zac Power by H I Larry
Cherub by Robert Muchamore
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
The Magic Ballerina by Darcey Bussell
The 39 Clues by various authors
Harry Potter by J K Rowling
Grug by Ted Prior
Rainbow Magic by Daisy Meadows

Other children's bestsellers not necessarily part of a series were:

Evernight by Claudia Gray
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Imagine by Alison Lester
Where Is The Green Sheep by Mem Fox
Ten Little Fingers by Mem Fox
Tales of Beedle the Bard by J K Rowling
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
Thomas the Tank Engine by Rev. Awdry
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Hairy Maclary From Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Todd
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

The booklet also mentioned some 2009 award winners:

The Crime Writers Association 2009 Gold Dagger Awards

Winner:
A Whispered Nam by William Brodrick

Shorlist:
When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson
In the Dark by Mark Billingham
Hit and Run by Lawrence Block
A Whispered Name by William Brodrick
The Coroner by M R Hall
Dark Times in the City by Gene Kerrigan

The Australian Independent Booksellers Indie Award 2009
(decided by popular vote of independent bookshops Australia wide). Prize: $15,000 AUD

Category Winners:
Non Fiction - The Tall Man by Chloe Hooper
Debut Fiction - The Virtuoso by Sonia Orchard
Children's book - Pearl Verses the World by Sally Murphy and Heather Potter
Fiction - Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

The overall award went to the Fiction winner, Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey.

The Miles Franklin Award 2009
(Awarded for the novel of the year which is of "the highest literary merit and presents Australian life in any of its phases"). Prize: $42,000AUD

Shortlist:
Breath by Tim Winton
Ice by Louis Nowra
The Pages by Murray Bail
The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas
Wanting by Richard Flanagan

Winner: Breath by Tim Winton

The Orange Prize for Fiction 2009
(open only to women, established by journalists and publishers). Prize: 30,000 pounds

Shortlist:
Scottsboro by Ellen Feldman
The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey
The Invention of Everything Else by Samantha Hunt
Molly Fox's Birthday by Deirdre Madden
Home by Marilynne Robinson
Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie

Winner: Home by Marilynne Robinson

The Man Booker Award 2009
(awarded to works of literary fiction written by a citizen of the British Commonwealth or the republic o Ireland). Prize: 50,000 pounds.

Shorlist:
The Children's Book by A S Byatt
Summertime by J M Coetzee
The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
The Glass Room by Simon Mawer
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

Winner: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

The 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

Finalists:
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich
All Souls by Christine Schutt
Oliver Kitterdige by Elizabeth Strout

Winner: Olive Kitterdige by Elizabeth Strout

Looks like I have some reading to do!

2010 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards

2010-01-24T21:39:00.004+11:00

Announced Saturday 23 January 2010

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Other Nominees: An Education (2009); The Hurt Locker (2008) ; Nine (2009); Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
WINNER : Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart (2009)

Other Nominees: George Clooney for Up in the Air (2009/I); Colin Firth for A Single Man (2009) ; Morgan Freeman for Invictus (2009) ; Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker (2008)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
WINNER : Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side (2009)

Other Nominees: Helen Mirren for The Last Station (2009); Carey Mulligan for An Education (2009) ; Gabourey Sidibe for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009) ; Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia (2009)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
WINNER : Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Other Nominees: Matt Damon for Invictus (2009); Woody Harrelson for The Messenger (2009/I) ; Christopher Plummer for The Last Station (2009); Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones (2009)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
WINNER : Mo'Nique for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Other Nominees: Penélope Cruz for Nine (2009); Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air (2009/I) ; Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air (2009/I) ; Diane Kruger for Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
WINNER : "Glee" (2009)

Other Nominees: "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (2000); "Modern Family" (2009) ; "The Office" (2005) ; "30 Rock" (2006)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
WINNER : "Mad Men" (2007)

Other Nominees: "The Closer" (2005); "Dexter" (2006); "The Good Wife" (2009) ;"True Blood" (2008)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
WINNER : Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock" (2006)

Other Nominees: Steve Carell for "The Office" (2005) ; Larry David for "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (2000) ; Tony Shalhoub for "Monk" (2002) ;Charlie Sheen for "Two and a Half Men" (2003)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
WINNER : Tina Fey for "30 Rock" (2006)

Other Nominees: Christina Applegate for "Samantha Who?" (2007) ; Toni Collette for "United States of Tara" (2009) ; Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie" (2009) ; Julia Louis-Dreyfus for "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (2006)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
WINNER : Michael C. Hall for "Dexter" (2006)

Other Nominees: Simon Baker for "The Mentalist" (2008) ; Bryan Cranston for "Breaking Bad" (2008) ; Jon Hamm for "Mad Men" (2007) ; Hugh Laurie for "House M.D." (2004)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
WINNER : Julianna Margulies for "The Good Wife" (2009)

Other Nominees: Patricia Arquette for "Medium" (2005); Glenn Close for "Damages" (2007) ; Mariska Hargitay for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1999) ; Holly Hunter for "Saving Grace" (2007) ; Kyra Sedgwick for "The Closer" (2005)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
WINNER : Kevin Bacon for Taking Chance (2009) (TV)

Other Nominees: Cuba Gooding Jr. for Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009) (TV) ; Jeremy Irons for Georgia O'Keeffe (2009) (TV) ; Kevin Kline for "Great Performances: Cyrano de Bergerac (#37.8)" (2008) ; Tom Wilkinson for A Number (2008) (TV)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
WINNER : Drew Barrymore for Grey Gardens (2009) (TV)

Other Nominees: Joan Allen for Georgia O'Keeffe (2009) (TV) ; Ruby Dee for America (2009) (TV) ; Jessica Lange for Grey Gardens (2009) (TV) ; Sigourney Weaver for Prayers for Bobby (2009) (TV)

67th Annual Golden Globes Awards

2010-01-18T14:09:00.011+11:00

Held 17 January 2010

Best Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER : Avatar (2009)

Other Nominees: The Hurt Locker (2008) ; Inglourious Basterds (2009) ; Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009) ; Up in the Air (2009/I)

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : The Hangover (2009)

Other Nominees: (500) Days of Summer (2009) ; It's Complicated (2009) ; Julie & Julia (2009) ; Nine (2009)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER : Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart (2009)

Other Nominees: George Clooney for Up in the Air (2009/I) ; Colin Firth for A Single Man (2009) ; Morgan Freeman for Invictus (2009) ; Tobey Maguire for Brothers (2009/I)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER : Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side (2009)

Other Nominees: Emily Blunt for The Young Victoria (2009) ; Helen Mirren for The Last Station (2009) ; Carey Mulligan for An Education (2009) ; Gabourey Sidibe for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER: Robert Downey Jr. for Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Other Nominees: Matt Damon for The Informant! (2009) ; Daniel Day-Lewis for Nine (2009) ; Joseph Gordon-Levitt for (500) Days of Summer (2009) ; Michael Stuhlbarg for A Serious Man (2009)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia (2009)

Other Nominees: Sandra Bullock for The Proposal (2009/I) ; Marion Cotillard for Nine (2009) ; Julia Roberts for Duplicity (2009) ; Meryl Streep for It's Complicated (2009)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER : Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Other Nominees: Matt Damon for Invictus (2009) ; Woody Harrelson for The Messenger (2009/I) ; Christopher Plummer for The Last Station (2009); Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones (2009)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER : Mo'Nique for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Other Nominees: Penélope Cruz for Nine (2009); Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air (2009/I) ; Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air (2009/I); Julianne Moore for A Single Man (2009)

Best Director - Motion Picture
WINNER : James Cameron for Avatar (2009)

Other Nominees: Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker (2008) ; Clint Eastwood for Invictus (2009) ; Jason Reitman for Up in the Air (2009/I) ; Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
WINNER : Up in the Air (2009/I): Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner

Other Nominees: District 9 (2009): Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell ; The Hurt Locker (2008): Mark Boal ; Inglourious Basterds (2009): Quentin Tarantino ; It's Complicated (2009): Nancy Meyers

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
WINNER : Crazy Heart (2009): T-Bone Burnett, Ryan Bingham("The Weary Kind")

Other Nominees: Avatar (2009): James Horner, Simon Franglen, Kuk Harrell("I See You"); Brothers (2009/I): U2, Bono("Winter") ; Everybody's Fine (2009): Paul McCartney("(I Want To) Come Home") ; Nine (2009): Maury Yeston("Cinema Italiano")

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
WINNER: Up (2009): Michael Giacchino

Other Nominees: Avatar (2009): James Horner ; The Informant! (2009): Marvin Hamlisch ; A Single Man (2009): Abel Korzeniowski ; Where the Wild Things Are (2009): Carter Burwell, Karen Orzolek

Best Animated Film
WINNER: Up (2009)

Other Nominees: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) ; Coraline (2009); Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009); The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Best Foreign Language Film
WINNER : Das weisse Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte (2009)

Other Nominees: Los abrazos rotos (2009) ; Baarìa (2009) ; La nana (2009); Un prophète (2009)

Best Television Series - Drama
WINNER: "Mad Men" (2007)

Other Nominees: "Big Love" (2006) ; "Dexter" (2006) ; "House M.D." (2004) ; "True Blood" (2008)

Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : "Glee" (2009)

Other Nominees: "Entourage" (2004) ; "Modern Family" (2009) ; "The Office" (2005) ; "30 Rock" (2006)

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : Grey Gardens (2009) (TV)

Other Nominees: Georgia O'Keeffe (2009) (TV) ; Into the Storm (2009) (TV) ; "Little Dorrit" (2008); Taking Chance (2009) (TV)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : Kevin Bacon for Taking Chance (2009) (TV)

Other Nominees: Kenneth Branagh for "Wallander" (2008) ; Chiwetel Ejiofor for Endgame (2009) ; Brendan Gleeson for Into the Storm (2009) (TV) ; Jeremy Irons for Georgia O'Keeffe (2009) (TV)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : Drew Barrymore for Grey Gardens (2009) (TV)

Other Nominees: Joan Allen for Georgia O'Keeffe (2009) (TV) ; Jessica Lange for Grey Gardens (2009) (TV) ; Anna Paquin for The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler (2009) (TV) ; Sigourney Weaver for Prayers for Bobby (2009) (TV)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock" (2006)

Other Nominees: Steve Carell for "The Office" (2005) ; David Duchovny for "Californication" (2007) ; Thomas Jane for "Hung" (2009) ; Matthew Morrison for "Glee" (2009)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
WINNER : Toni Collette for "United States of Tara" (2009)

Other Nominees: Courteney Cox for "Cougar Town" (2009); Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie" (2009); Tina Fey for "30 Rock" (2006) ; Lea Michele for "Glee" (2009)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama
WINNER : Michael C. Hall for "Dexter" (2006)

Other Nominees: Simon Baker for "The Mentalist" (2008) ; Jon Hamm for "Mad Men" (2007) ; Hugh Laurie for "House M.D." (2004) ; Bill Paxton for "Big Love" (2006)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
WINNER : Julianna Margulies for "The Good Wife" (2009)

Other Nominees: Glenn Close for "Damages" (2007) ; January Jones for "Mad Men" (2007); Anna Paquin for "True Blood" (2008) ; Kyra Sedgwick for "The Closer" (2005)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER: John Lithgow for "Dexter" (2006)

Other Nominees: Michael Emerson for "Lost" (2004) ; Neil Patrick Harris for "How I Met Your Mother" (2005) ; William Hurt for "Damages" (2007) ; Jeremy Piven for "Entourage" (2004)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER : Chloë Sevigny for "Big Love" (2006)

Other Nominees: Jane Adams for "Hung" (2009); Rose Byrne for "Damages" (2007) ; Jane Lynch for "Glee" (2009); Janet McTeer for Into the Storm (2009) (TV)

15th Annual Critics Choice Awards

2010-01-17T08:15:00.008+11:00

Winners were announced January 15, 2010:

Best Picture : The Hurt Locker

Other nominees : Avatar ; An Education ; Inglourious Basterds ; Invictus ; Nine ; Precious : Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire ; A Serious Man ; Up ; Up in the Air

Best Actor : Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart

Other nominees : George Clooney for Up in the Air ; Colin Firth for A Single Man ; Morgan Freeman for Invictus ; Viggo Mortensen for The Road ; Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker

Best Actress : Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side AND Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia

Other nominees : Emily Blunt for The Young Victoria ; Carey Mulligan for An Education ; Saoirse Ronan for The Lovely Bones ; Gabourey Sidibe for Precious : Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Best Supporting Actor : Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds

Other nominees : Matt Damon for Invictus ; Woody Harrelson for The Messenger ; Christian McKay for Me and Orson Welles ; Alfred Molina for An Education ; Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones

Best Supporting Actress : Mo'Nique for Precious : Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Other nominees : Marion Cotillard for Nine ; Vera Farminga for Up in the Air ; Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air ; Julianne Moore for A Single Man ; Samantha Morton for The Messenger

Best Acting Ensemble : Inglourious Basterds

Other nominees : Nine ; Precious : Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire ; Star Trek ; Up in the Air ;

Best Director : Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker

Other nominees : James Cameron for Avatar ; Lee Daniels for Precious : Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire ; Clint Eastwood for Invictus ; Jason Reitman for Up in the Air ; Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds

Best Original Screenplay : Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds

Other nominees : Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber for (500) Days of Summer ; Mark Boal for The Hurt Locker ; Ethan Coen and Joel Coen for A Serious Man ; Bob Peterson and Pete Docter for Up

Best Adapted Screenplay : Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner for Up in the Air

Other nominees : Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell for District 9 ; Nick Hornby for An Eductation ; Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach for Fantastic Mr Fox ; Geoffrey Fletcher for Precious : Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire ; Tom Ford and David Scearce for A Single Man

Best Animated Feature : Up

Other nominees : Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ; Coraline ; Fantastic Mr Fox ; The Princess and the Frog

Best Young Actor/Actress : Saoirse Ronan for The Blind Side

Other nominees : Jae Head for The Blind Side ; Bailee Madison for Brothers ; Max Records for Where the Wild Things Are ; Kodi Smit-McPhee for The Road

Best Action Movie : Avatar

Other nominees : District 9 ; The Hurt Locker ; Inglourious Basterds ; Star Trek

Best Comedy Movie : The Hangover

Other nominees : (500) Days of Summer ; It's Complicated ; The Proposal ; Zombieland

Best Foreign Language Film : Los abrazos rotos

Other nominees : Coco avant Chanel ; Chi bi ; Sin Nombre ; Das weisse Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte

Best Documentary Feature: The Cove

Other nominees : Anvil! The Story of Anvil ; Capitalism : A Love Story ; Food, Inc. ; This Is It

Best Song : 'The Weary Kind' by T-Bone Burnett and Ryan Bingham for the movie Crazy Heart

Other nominees : 'I Want to Come Home' by Paul McCartney for the movie Everybody's Fine ; 'Cinema Italiano' by Maury Yeston for the movie Nine ; 'Almost There' by Randy Newman for The Princess and the Frog ; 'All is Love' by Karen Orzolek and Nick Zinner for Where the Wild Things Are.

Best Composer : Michael Giacchino for Up

Other nominees : Marvin Hamlisch for The Informant! ; Randy Newman for the Princess and the Frog ; Hans Zimmer for Sherlock Holmes ; Carter Burwell and Karen Orzolek for Where the Wild Things Are

Best Picture made for Television : Grey Gardens

Other Nominees : Gifted Hands : The Ben Carson Story ; Into the Storm ; Taking Chance

Best Cinematography : Avatar

Other Nominees : The Hurt Locker ; Inglourious Basterds ; The Lovely Bones ; Nine

Best Art Direction : Avatar

Other nominees : Inglourious Basterds ; The Lovely Bones ; Nine ; A Single Man

Best Editing : Avatar

Other nominees : The Hurt Locker ; Inglourious Basterds ; Nine ; Up in the Air

Best Costume Design : The Young Victoria

Other nominees : Bright Star ; Where the Wild Things Are ; Nine ; Inglourious Basterds

Best Makeup: District 9

Other nominees: Avatar ; Nine ; The Road ; Star Trek

Best Visual Effects: Avatar

Other nominees: District 9 ; Star Trek ; The Lovely Bones ; 2012

Best Sound : Avatar

Other nominees : District 9; The Hurt Locker; Nine; Star Trek

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe

2009-12-30T07:04:00.004+11:00

When I was recently purchasing some more Fanny Burney books I saw the Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe. Remembering the references to it in Northanger Abbey, I thought it was a book that I should read and I'm glad I did!

The most popular book of the author's time, this Gothic Romance was published in 1794 and was read with excitement - in 1824 Sir Walter Scott recalled the eagerness of whole familes as the four volumes of the work "flew, and were sometimes torn, from hand to hand".

Set in France and Italy two centuries before it was written, it is a wonderful tale of suspense. Our heroine, Emily St Aubert, is orphaned a short period before she is of legal age. Aware of the proprieties and social moires of the time, she goes to live with her aunt, a cold, selfish woman. Before her father dies, she meets and falls in love with the Chevalier Valancourt and her early expectation of marriage to him under her Aunt's care is dashed when her Aunt marries Signor Montoni, and they remove to Italy - firstly Venice and then to the Apennines to the secluded Castle Udolpho.

Emily's fears of inpropriety, marriage to any man but her beloved Valancourt, and the loss of her family estate are soon expanded to almost permanent periods of terror induced by Montoni's heartless treatment and fearful associations, not to mention ghostly mysteries within the dark and gothic castle.

The novel is full of descriptive scenic views of the place and time, which belies the fact that the author only travelled abroad once in her life; poetry appears frequently and I must admit I skimmed over those passages a bit!

The pace of the novel can be slow and there is the occasional thread that lacks continuity (perhaps this is only something that the modern reader would note). Personally I don't think the romance aspect of the novel is all that convincing although the overall devotion of Emily and Valancourt is obvious.

The author's real strength is suspense and intrigue - for example, we wait right until the end of the novel before we find out what scares Emily so much in the remote room of Udolpho where a picture is hidden behind a black veil.

It is not a particularly 'easy' read. I found I needed quiet and preferably solitude to read it, and in that environment I could envision and enjoy the story more and make steady progress through the volumes.

It is a wonderful example of its genre and should be mandatory reading for lovers of Austen et al.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

2009-12-24T06:35:00.005+11:00

My 11 y.o. niece who is a confessed Twilight fan is now reading this book. She left it at my house a couple of days ago and I thought, 'why not?', picked it up and finished it that day.

A story of everlasting love with a handsome and aloof immortal male lead and a confused somewhat troubled mortal female lead, as well as a highschool setting with little parental input, it does bear some similarity to the Twilight novel and I can definitely see the appeal to the same audience. However instead of vampires, we're dealing with angels.

The book opens with an emotionally and sexually charged prologue where a young woman, mid 1850s, finds herself inexplicably drawn to a handsome young man. She succumbs to the magnetic pull she feels towards him, desire flames brightly and she disappears.

We then turn to the modern day. Luce, a troubled teen who has seen 'shadows' most of her life, is sent to a reform school, the Sword and Cross, after the mysterious and somewhat suspicious death of a boy she liked at her previous, ivy league school. Her new school is filled with a motley assortment of hard-core reform cases and she is quickly 'claimed' by a somewhat crazy girl who guides her through her first days.

Within hours of arriving at the school, she sets her eyes on Daniel, a gorgeous boy who almost immediately acts coldly towards her. However, there is a pull towards him she can't explain and she feels strongly that she knows him from somewhere.

As the story continues, Luce is befriended by a 'normal' fellow student who aids her sanity and need to find out more about Daniel, a boy with piercing green eyes attempts to romance her, she is involved in a suspicious death at the school and moments of closeness with Daniel that confuse Luce further while reinforcing the depth of her feelings for him.

Written for the young adult market, this is no great literary work. However it is a good story, rather hard to put down with stomach-twisting emotion that will appeal to girls and women who need a romantic/eternal love fix. (Yes, I'm one of them!)

The next instalment in the story, Torment, is due out September 2010.

Evelina by Fanny Burney

2009-11-10T14:54:00.003+11:00

I was fortunate enough to see a blog mention this little gem. First published in 1778, this classic is a delightful romance set in 18th century England. First published anonymously, it was an immediate success and was the first of the novels written by Fanny Burney (later Madame D’Arblay).

Basically a love story constrained by the social mores of the time, it will have you avidly reading - occasionally sighing at the longing and love story between Evelina and Lord Orville, sometimes frustrated by Evelina’s inability to extricate herself from some people and situations, wincing at poor Evelina's discomfort, and even laughing out loud to the Captain’s tricks.

Written as a series of letters, the story follows the introduction into society of Evelina, unrecognized daughter of Sir John Belmont and his deceased first wife. Brought up in the country by Rev. Villers, who was both the tutor of her grandfather, Mr Evelyn, and guardian of her mother, Carolyn, Evelina at the tender age of 17 is sent for a visit to Lady Howard at Howard Grove. Lady Howard’s daughter, Mrs Mirvan then takes her daughter Maria and Evelina with her to London to await the return of her husband from sea, Captain Mirvan. Thence really begins Evelina’s awakening!

Evelina’s visit to London and exposure to society is both awe inspiring and confusing for the innocent girl and she makes the first of many social faux pas as we are introduced to the social moirés of 18th century England.

Twists and turns, confusion and false identities abound and it is a surprisingly hard book to put down!

Although it predates her, any lovers of Jane Austen will definitely enjoy this satirical look at the fashionable society of the day. Highly recommended!!

Spelling Rules & Grammar Guides

2009-06-11T19:54:00.004+10:00

Author: www.KidsLearningisfun.com

I’m always correcting the children’s spelling and whilst my grammar isn’t poor, I must have missed the week at school when they covered things like clauses and collocation. (Have you ever heard of that last one??)

My son, in year 6, comes home with English homework that really makes me wonder if I was even on the planet for grammar lessons. The girls, in Year 3 don’t stretch me quite so far … yet!

I was thrilled to find the website KidsLearningisfun (through the fabulous site Connect2mums) who make some tremendous little guides for parents and children to keep at home and help out when you get stuck with helping with homework. I have two guides - Spelling Rules and Grammar which are aimed at grades 1 through 7.

My son at 11 is quite capable of using the guide himself (without involving me at all – always a good thing) and I can show the girls (age 8) the more basic levels.

The guides are well designed – each page on the spiral bound book is laminated so eating afternoon tea and doing homework isn’t as damaging as it could be! The guides are colour coded for easy and quick reference.

I like the spelling rules – mentioning some of those tried and true favourite sayings to remember your spelling such as “i before e except after c” that they no longer seem to teach in schools, and going into more depth by covering less well known rules and exceptions.

The grammar book is sure to become well used. Even my son took an interest flicking through it to refresh his memory, saying “I always forget what nouns and stuff are”. Hmmm, well boys are known for their inability to express themselves!

The guides are well priced at $22.95 for the Grammar and $19.95 for the Spelling Rules. Basically if you have a child currently at primary school or starting soon, these will become an indispensable part of the homework roundabout.

Trinny and Susannah - What you wear can change your life

2009-06-05T16:09:00.002+10:00

Authors: Trinny Woodall; Susannah Constantine

A self-confessed Trinny and Susannah watcher, this is the first book of theirs I have read and I’m glad I have!

Of “What Not To Wear” BBC fame, the famous duo share their insights with the women of the world to give them all more confidence (and look better too!).

The book covers basics such as sorting out what shape you actually are, good underwear and what colours will suit you, it then goes on to more involved topics like encouraging you to cull your wardrobe and sort out storage.

I love how they feature themselves as prime examples of what to do and what not to do, and they’re not afraid to share their faults with the world.

Great tips on beauty, hair, makeup and accessories, for which women basically have an inexhaustible need! So, no complaints in that department

As a bonus there are even tips for pregnancy and travelling. All in all a book full of wonderful gems of advice that won’t go astray.

Naturally, this isn’t a deep book. It's light, humorous and more of a ready reference guide. Skim through once quickly and then take the advice section by section as you have need.

The Audrey Hepburn Treasures

2009-06-05T16:02:00.001+10:00

Authors: Ellen Erwin, Jessica Z Diamond

I just adore Audrey Hepburn and this book makes you feel like one of the family!

With a foreward by Audrey’s son Sean Ferrer, he offers a glimpse into the private Audrey and shares some of her most treasured mementos and memories.

Presented as part book/ part album the book includes replicas of original photos, letters and documents stored in special sections throughout the book.

Starting with photos and documents from Audrey’s birth and childhood and proceeding through the special occasions and career milestones throughout her life. Treasures such as a receipt for Audrey’s Best Actress Oscar for Roman Holiday from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, fan letters and programs from her shows. Memories such as a note from Audrey’s grandfather, Baron van Heemstra, after he saw her dance in 1944, a letter from Cary Grant in 1982 and press clippings about Audrey. Photos such as Audrey’s baby photo, dance photos, family occasions and many more personal mementos.

Truly one for the fans that want to know the enigmatic Audrey that little bit better.

BAFTAs 2009

2009-02-09T18:22:00.002+11:00

Best Film: (winners in bold)
Nominiees: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008; Frost/Nixon (2008); Milk (2008);The Reader (2008); Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year
Nominees: Man on Wire (2008); Other Nominees:Hunger (2008); In Bruges (2008); Mamma Mia! (2008); Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Best Actor
Nominees: Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler (2008); Frank Langella for Frost/Nixon (2008); Dev Patel for Slumdog Millionaire (2008); Sean Penn for Milk (2008); Brad Pitt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Best Actress
Nominees: Kate Winslet for The Reader (2008) ;Angelina Jolie for Changeling (2008); Kristin Scott Thomas for Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008); Meryl Streep for Doubt (2008); Kate Winslet for Revolutionary Road (2008)

Best Supporting Actor
Nominees: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight (2008); Robert Downey Jr. for Tropic Thunder (2008); Brendan Gleeson for In Bruges (2008); Philip Seymour Hoffman for Doubt (2008); Brad Pitt for Burn After Reading (2008)

Best Supporting Actress
Nominees: Penélope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008); Amy Adams for Doubt (2008); Freida Pinto for Slumdog Millionaire (2008); Tilda Swinton for Burn After Reading (2008); Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler (2008)

David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction
Nominees: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire (2008); Stephen Daldry for The Reader (2008); Clint Eastwood for Changeling (2008); David Fincher for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008); Ron Howard for Frost/Nixon (2008)

Best Screenplay (Original)
Nominees: In Bruges (2008): Martin McDonagh; Burn After Reading (2008): Joel Coen, Ethan Coen; Changeling (2008): J. Michael Straczynski; Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008): Philippe Claudel; Milk (2008): Dustin Lance Black

Best Screenplay (Adapted)
Nominees: Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Simon Beaufoy; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Eric Roth; Frost/Nixon (2008): Peter Morgan ; The Reader (2008): David Hare; Revolutionary Road (2008): Justin Haythe

Best Cinematography
Nominees: Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Anthony Dod Mantle; The Changeling (2008): Tom Stern; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Claudio Miranda ; The Dark Knight (2008): Wally Pfister ;The Reader (2008): Chris Menges, Roger Deakins

Best Editing
Nominees: Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Chris Dickens; Changeling (2008): Joel Cox, Gary Roach; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall; The Dark Knight (2008): Lee Smith; Frost/Nixon (2008): Daniel P. Hanley, Mike Hill ;In Bruges (2008): Jon Gregory

Best Production Design
Nominees: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Donald Graham Burt, Victor J. Zolfo ; Changeling (2008): James J. Murakami, Gary Fettis; The Dark Knight (2008): Nathan Crowley, Peter Lando; Revolutionary Road (2008): Kristi Zea, Debra Schutt; Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Mark Digby, Michelle Day

Best Costume Design
Nominees: The Duchess (2008): Michael O'Connor; Changeling (2008): Deborah Hopper; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Jacqueline West; The Dark Knight (2008): Lindy Hemming; Revolutionary Road (2008): Albert Wolsky

Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
Nominees:Slumdog Millionaire (2008): A.R. Rahman; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): Alexandre Desplat; The Dark Knight (2008): James Newton Howard, Hans Zimmer; Mamma Mia! (2008): Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus; WALL·E (2008): Thomas Newman

Best Make Up/Hair
Nominees: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008); The Dark Knight (2008); The Duchess (2008); Frost/Nixon (2008); Milk (2008)

Best Sound
Nominees: Slumdog Millionaire (2008); Changeling (2008); The Dark Knight (2008); Quantum of Solace (2008); WALL·E (2008)

Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects
Nominees: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008); The Dark Knight (2008); Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008); Iron Man (2008); Quantum of Solace (2008)

Best Film not in the English Language
Nominees: Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008); Der Baader Meinhof Komplex (2008); Gomorra (2008); Persepolis (2007); Vals Im Bashir (2008)

Best Animated Feature Film
Nominees: WALL·E (2008); Persepolis (2007); Vals Im Bashir (2008)

Orange Rising Star Award
Nominees: Noel Clarke; Michael Cera; Michael Fassbender; Rebecca Hall; Toby Kebbell

Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer
Nominees: Steve McQueen for Hunger (2008)(Director/Writer); Simon Chinn for Man on Wire (2008)(Producer); Judy Craymer for Mamma Mia! (2008)(Producer); Garth Jennings for Son of Rambow (2007)(Writer); Sol Papadopoulos, Roy Boulter for Of Time and the City (2008)(Producers)

Best Short Animation
Nominees: Wallace and Gromit in 'A Matter of Loaf and Death' (2008) (TV); Codswallop (2008); Varmints

Best Short Film
Nominees: September (2008); Kingsland #1: The Dreamer (2008); Love You More (2008); Ralph (2008); Voyage d'affaires (2008)

50 Books You Can't Put Down

2009-02-07T02:36:00.005+11:00

From the 2008 Books Alive Guide (Australia)

The Household Guide to Dying - Debra Adelaide (fiction)
Breath - Tim Winton (fiction)
People of the Book - Geraldine Brooks (fiction)
The Spare Room - Helen Garner (fiction)
Scar Tissue - Anthony Kiedis (biography)
The Six Sacred Stones - Matthew Reilly (fiction)
Exit Music - Ian Rankin (fiction)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson (fiction)
Infidel - Ayaan Hirsi Ali (autobiography)
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini (fiction)
God's Callgirl - Carla van Raay (autobiography)
Change of Heart - Jodi Picoult (fiction)
Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert (autobiography)
Those Faraday Girls - Monic McInerney (fiction)
Skin and Bone - Kathryn Fox (fiction)
7th Heaven - James Patterson with Maxine Paetro (fiction)
Secrets of the Red Lantern - Pauline Nguyen with Luke Nguyen and Mark Jensen (autobiography)
The Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton (fiction)
Somme Mud - EPF Lynch (biography/war)
Vietnam: The Australian War - Paul Ham (war)
Les Norton and the Case of the Talking Pie Crust - Robert G Barrett (fiction)
Turn Turn Turn ... Please - Kerry O'Keeffe (sport)
Over the Top with Jim - Hugh Lunn (autobiography)
That'd Be Right - William McInnes (autobiography)
The Day After Tomorrow - Allan Folsom (fiction)
Nothing to Lose - Lee Child (fiction)
The Memory Room - Christopher Koch (fiction)
Addition - Toni Jordan (fiction)
Voodoo Doll - Leah Giarratano (fiction)
The Rouseabout - Rachael Treasure (fiction)
Avoiding Mr Right - Anita Heiss (fiction)
This Charming Man - Marian Keyes (fiction)
Back from the Brink - Peter Andrews (environment/agriculture)
True Green - Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin (environment)
He'll Be OK - Celia Lashlie (family/health)
Girl Stuff - Kaz Cooke (family/health)
Lucky for Me - Frank Robson (autobiography)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - JK Rowling (fiction/fantasy)
Obernewtyn (book 1 of Obernewtyn Chronicles) - Isobelle Carmody (fiction/fantasy)
The Gift (book 1 of Pellinor series) - Alison Croggon (fiction/fantasy)
Superior Saturday (book 6 of The Keys to the Kingdom series) - Garth Nix (fiction/fantasy)
Twilight - Stephanie Myer (fiction)
George's Secret Key to the Universe - Lucy and Stephen Hawking (children's nonfiction)
Treasure Fever (book 1 in the Schooling Around series) - Andy Griffiths (children's fiction)
Water Witcher - Jan Ormerod (children)
The Waterhole - Graeme Base (children)
Parsley Rabbit's Book about Books - Frances Watts and David Legge (children)
Quest for the Crown (book 1 in the Faraway Fairies series) - Eleanor Coombe (children's fiction)
Go Girl! Angels: Anniversary Edition - Chrissie Perry and Meredith Badger (children's fiction)
Nim's Island - Wendy Orr (children's fiction)

Rachel's Holiday

2009-01-28T19:18:00.004+11:00

Author: Marian Keyes

Another humorous Irish romp - although with a dose or two of reality quite apparent. Very touching and some true sadness (albeit only in moments) that will have tears and sniffles threatening to make an appearance.

Rachel Walsh is Irish, living in New York, with her best friend since childhood, Brigit. Brigit and Rachel are fun-loving and out for a good time, naturally always on the lookout for men and they love to poke fun at a group of Irish lads that are in a somewhat 70s haze in the looks department. Rachel falls in with one of the lads, Luke - tall, manly and sexy, but embarrassingly un-hip.

Rachel gets caught up in the New York lifestyle and finds herself in hospital, surprisingly, after having her stomach pumped after imbibing too many drugs.

Her family fly her home to Dublin and promptly deposit her in the 'Cloisters' - an addiction fighting centre, reportedly frequented by celebrities. Fully prepared for a nice holiday with massages, spas, high quality food and luxurious surroundings, Rachel meets a variety of addicts, but can't quite understand why she is there - after all, she doesn't have a problem... does she?

Well worth the read with a nice happy ending!

Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married

2009-01-03T08:35:00.005+11:00

Author: Marian Keyes

Lucy Sullivan - in her twenties, an office worker and a serial dater of unsuitable men.

Lucy sees a fortune teller with some co-workers and is told that she will be married within 18 months. Considering she is currently footloose and fancy free this comes as something of a surprise to Lucy so she discounts the possiblity. However, her co-workers are soon linking events to the prophecies they received and everyone starts to think that Lucy really WILL be married soon.

Lucy actually does meet a man - totally unsuitable of course which Lucy can't resist and she starts to think maybe he is 'the one'. Of course to complicate matters there are other men in her life as well - could one of them be the lucky man instead?

On route to finding her marital bliss Lucy learns more about herself and her family than she ever suspected.

Amusing and eminently readable, as all Marian Keyes novels seem to be, this is the perfect novel to get away from your own life and find yourself flatting in London on the lookout for Mr Right.

Northanger Abbey

2008-06-25T21:36:00.004+10:00

Having just re-read the novel I was eagerly awaiting this 2007 film. This movie is presented with a narrator following the way Austen wrote the book. This also helps to follow the story in the case of omissions from the original work.

Catherine is played charmingly by Felicity Jones. She is young, fresh and innocent although perhaps slightly overplays the latter on occasion. Henry Tilney is played by JJ Field – he embodies the character very well – lightly humorous, kind and gentle, attractive but not too good looking.

Carey Mulligan plays the coquettish Isabella Thorpe – she relishes her part and does a good job of flirting with everything in pants! William Beck is a perfectly odious John Thorpe, although so much so that you wonder HOW Catherine can even entertain the idea that he might be a friend!

Eleanor is played serenely by Catherine Walker – although she appears a little too quiet to be a close friend to the young Catherine who gets so excited at a novel’s intrigues and is so innocent of human behaviour. General Tilney looks a little more frightening than the initial description of him in the book, although Liam Cunningham embodies the true spirit of the General on show at the Abbey.

The vague Mrs Allen is played perfectly by Sylvestra Le Touzel and I believe she even improves slightly on the novel’s character by having just a touch of reality about the empty-headed character. Mrs Morland is sensibly played by Julia Dearden.

Overall the film kept to the true nature of the book, although as an adaptation of course, there were a few things changed. The film skipped over a few of the scenes in Bath and Northanger Abbey and notably the visit to Henry’s home. Also the laquered cabinet was absent and instead Catherine finds the old papers in the chest, but given that these were not 100% necessary to the development of the story, the other scenes conveyed the ideas adequately and most people would find nothing to offend them in this adaptation.

Lighthearted and humorous, this was an enjoyable little film at just over 90min in length.

Northanger Abbey

2008-06-18T15:08:00.003+10:00

Author: Jane Austen

I recall reading this book repeatedly from the age of about 12 and have very fond remembrances of it. Given the current Jane Austen ‘festival’ screening at the moment on the ABC I decided to re-read the novel.

It is a quick read – written in a lighthearted and easy style and with the Austen stamp of the heroine undergoing some trials before gaining the happiness she so richly deserves.

Catherine Morland – age 15, from a loving family of 10 children, not poor but not rich, is taken to Bath by wealthy neighbours the Allen’s where she meets with predominately two families – the Thorpe’s and the Tilney’s.

Catherine meets Henry Tilney at a dance in Bath and he is humorous and attentive - she is quite taken with him. Unfortunately he disappears after the dance although she keeps her eye out for him.

Mrs Allen recognizes Mrs Thorpe as an old school friend and introduces her daughter Isabella. Isabella is pretty and vain and is constantly seeking attention from the opposite sex. Isabella and Catherine become fast friends given that Isabella sees Catherine’s brother James (who has been at Oxford with her brother, John, and visited the family the past Christmas) as a prospective husband. She pursues James and gains a proposal of marriage.

Meanwhile John Thorpe decides Catherine is pretty enough to make her his bride - but Catherine is completely unaware of his intentions.

Henry Tilney makes a reappearance, this time with his sister Eleanor. Eleanor is sedate and friendly and Catherine feels instantly comfortable in her presence as well as being glad to extend her acquaintance with Henry.

After some misadventures with John Thorpe, Catherine sees him in a more true light which makes her affection for Henry even stronger. Henry’s father, General Tilney encourages the relationship between Catherine and his children and invites Catherine to Northanger Abbey.

Isabella in the meantime meets Captain Tilney – Henry’s older brother (and heir to the family fortune and estate) and flirts unashamedly, to the detriment of her engagement which is soon called off in distress by the heartbroken James.

Full of a love of mystery novels, Catherine soon imagines all sorts of terrible things about the Abbey and gives herself a scare or two quite quickly. The General turns out to be quite a tyrant and she starts to imagine that he may have had something to do with the untimely death of Mrs Tilney some years before.

Shortly after this, the General removes to town whereupon the young people have an enjoyable time without the strictness that the General imposed upon their lives. This eden is interrupted however with Catherine’s speedy ejection and return to her family. Eleanor is deeply troubled and embarrassed by the leaving and Catherine despairs that it has happened whilst Henry is absent so she cannot see him before her departure.

She returns home to her home in Fullerton, none the worse for the experience, but melancholy at the loss of her friend Eleanor and of Henry, whom she supposes she will never see again.

Unexpectedly Henry returns, explains and apologises for her departure, advises he has split from his father and of course proproses. Catherine’s parents agree to the marriage but gently demand that the General’s consent should be sought. Of course he declines, but given an excellent marriage by his daughter Eleanor and the good humour that ensued, as well as a clarification of Catherine’s position - permission is given within six months of the proposal.

A highly recommended read for everyone after a light Austen novel.

The Northern Lights (aka The Golden Compass)

2008-05-19T11:52:00.003+10:00

My son (age 10) read this book – it took him a couple of months but he did get through it, understood it and enjoyed it. He recently started the second book so I took the plunge and read The Northern Lights – part 1 of the trilogy. It was actually a terrific read, fast paced and straight forward. The book introduces you to some wonderful characters that are very easy to like - or dislike, as the case may be!

The story is set in a parallel world – similar to our own but slightly different. The main character of the book is Lyra, a pre-teen who is apparently orphaned. She lives with scholars at Oxford where as the only child (apart from servant’s children) she runs wild and her education is rather hotch-potch. All humans in Lyra’s world have a demon, a companion that takes the form of an animal (but can speak) and when the human dies, so does the demon – the demon is compared to a soul in the book.

WARNING: STORYLINE SPOILERS!

Lyra’s uncle Lord Asriel is an explorer and scientist (and a powerful personality) who visits the college where Lyra is early in the book, but soon returns North to his mysterious research into “Dust”. Shortly after he leaves, children start to go missing from their families and the story of the “Gobblers” arises. Soon, children go missing in Oxford and one of Lyra’s friends is taken. At the same time, the Master of the college sends Lyra to live with Mrs Coulter, an educated and beautiful woman who has apparently had some contact with Lyra’s uncle. Before Lyra leaves, the Master entrusts to her care an aleithometer which he instructs to keep secret and tells her she must learn to use it herself. So begins an amazing journey for Lyra.

Initially she is well looked after and even pampered, but Mrs Coulter shows her dark edge and Lyra runs away. She is captured/saved by the Gyptians and in their endeavours to retrieve their missing children accompanies them North. There she has more adventures befriending an armoured bear, witches and finding the stolen children. The reader learns of Lyra’s importance and a prophecy concerning her.

Hearing Lord Asriel is imprisioned, Lyra sets off to free him and in the process becomes known as Lyra Silvertongue. She finds Asriel, who in his research, has discovered another world through the Northern Lights – he makes a bridge to this world and crosses over, unaware that Lyra has followed him.

I would highly recommend this book to any youngster capable of reading a novel and it’s a quick and entertaining read for the adults too!

Becoming Jane

2008-03-31T16:44:00.005+11:00

Chick-flick alert!!!

Yes, this is a true movie for girls. It has a dashing man, a believable (flawed) leading lady, some heaving-breast moments and a bittersweet ending. Of course we could wish for a happy ending as Jane Austen bestowed on her characters, but in this case we can't fight history.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I know there was a bit of an outcry at an American playing an Englishwoman, but Anne Hathaway carries it off very well and if you didn't know it, you wouldn't guess she wasn't English. The very magnetic James McAvoy plays Jane's love interest, Tom Lefroy. Although I had heard rave reviews about James McAvoy this is the first film I have seen with him and it is more than enough to make me want to see more. James is Scottish by the way, with a pretty heavy accent when 'himself', but as Tom LeFroy you wouldn't know he was anything other than English either.

The very talented Julie Walters (of Billy Elliott fame) plays Mrs Austen and James Cromwell (the Babe movies) plays Mr. Austen. The wonderful Dame Maggie Smith plays Lady Gresham and Lawrence Fox plays her nephew, Mr. Wisley.

The story begins with a Jane in her early 20s - talented and accomplished but knowing little of the ways of the wider world, including matters of the heart, which she expressly wishes to write about. Mr Lefroy is a student of the law, totally dependant on his wealthy and harsh uncle, a High Court judge. Tom lives in London where, as a sophisticate, he indulges in boxing, drinking and women. His uncle decides to teach him a lesson and sends him to his other uncle who lives in the Hampshire countryside. His first meeting with Jane is when she is performing a reading of one of her more juvenille works - dedicated to her newly engaged sister. Tom is mortified by the entertainment and he just knows this 'country' life is going to be dreadful. Jane is equally mortified at Tom's poor judgement of her work.

Shortly thereafter they meet in the forest where all angst is veiled in politeness and then at a dance when Jane begins to be interested, purely because she perceives Tom to be rude, arrogant and self-absorbed. Tom introduces her to the book "Tom Jones" - not recommended reading for young ladies - and they actually begin to enjoy each other's company as verbal sparring partners and slowly feelings of a romantic nature begin.

In the meantime, Jane is made an offer of marriage by the rather boring Mr. Wisley and at a dance is called for an interview by his Aunt, where Jane is strongly compelled to accept Mr Wisley's offer. Disappointed at this thought, Jane escapes outside where she is followed by a concerned Tom. Jane and Tom finally admit their feelings much to each other's delight, but overshadowed by needing the approval Tom's benefactor.

Tom manages to bring Jane to his uncle's attention with the presence of Jane's brother and a cousin - a beautiful, wealthy and widowed Comtesse. A letter, author unknown, arrives however and the uncle dashes the hope of approval. Tom and Jane part, believing they can never be together.

Shortly after Jane hears that Tom is engaged and she is sadly disappointed, so finally accepts Mr Wisley's offer. Tom is visiting his Hampshire uncle and he and Jane meet by chance in the woods. Tom realises he can't live a lie and offers Jane an elopement. She agrees and they escape shortly after. On their journey their coach gets stuck in the mud and while Jane is holding Tom's coat a letter falls out. Being a typical woman, she reads it and finds out that Tom is supporting his family back in Ireland. The knowledge that their marriage will cause his Uncle's allowance to cease which would badly affect his family, leads Jane to rejecting Tom's offer and returning home alone. She doesn't marry Mr. Wisley either but hopes to rely on her pen for her income.

The whole experience was a huge learning experience for Jane and her writing benefits greatly. After this you see her embark fully on the story of Pride & Prejudice.

Skip 20 odd years and a middle aged Jane is listening to a singer and sees Tom in the distance. They meet again, Tom accompanied by his young daughter, named Jane.

Throughout the film you see little bits of many of Jane's future characters which is tantalising and enjoyable. There is sufficient sexual tension between Jane and Tom to make it believable too. All in all a film to enjoy once (or more)!

Note: The film encouraged me to do a little research on Jane Austen's life and there was indeed a Tom Lefroy in her life although the extent of their relationship is unknown. Jane never married although she did reject one offer. She died in her early 40s. Tom became Chief Justice of Ireland and lived to 90 years of age.

Sense & Sensibility

2008-03-18T22:54:00.007+11:00

Almost vintage these days (especially knowing that the BBC recently released their 'new' version!) but this film featuring the stellar cast of Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, in my humble opinion, will be difficult to beat!

I haven't read the novel for years so won't comment on the film's adherance, but it is a very enjoyable movie, in a quiet, gentle way. Wonderful humour, amplified by the comic talents of both Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant, had me smiling in appreciation more than once. Interesting dialogue that was easy to understand. The odd character that makes you cringe (well, there always has to be a couple!). A character with a mean streak (of course) and a mother that likes to remember what she wishes to remember and of course lavish grand houses and picturesque scenery. It all adds up to a great recipe for a good story.

The film starts with the death of Mr Dashwood (Tom Wilkinson), telling his son John (James Fleet)- from his first marriage - that according to the law, he must inherit his estate and requesting he look after his step-mother Mrs Dashwood(Gemma Jones) and his half sisters, Elinor, Marianne and Margaret. Not counting on his greedy wife, Fanny (Harriet Walter), however, the father's ghost must be disappointed to see that John withdraws his promised support. The grieving women of the late Mr Dashwood must find an alternate home that they can afford for their 500pound stipend a year and intend to leave their old home to John and Fanny, as soon as they can. Fanny has a visit from her brother Edward (Hugh Grant), who unlike is sister, is kind, gentle and unassuming. He finds immediate contentment in the presence of Elinor (Emma Thompson) but never quite gets around to proposing before Elinor and her sisters and mother move to their new cottage, provided by a cousin of their mother's, Sir John Middleton (Robert Hardy), on his estate. Thus Elinor is left hopeful, but in limbo, until a visiting young lady, Lucy Steele (Imogen Stubbs) professes to being secretly engaged to Edward.

Marianne (Kate Winslet) is vibrant and full of emotion - for her love is worth professing to the world, is heady and consuming. She finds favour in her new home with a local gentleman, Col. Brandon (Alan Rickman), but as he is quiet rather than overtly handsome and retiring rather than rash and bold, she pays him little attention. Going for a reckless walk on the hills, she falls and sprains her ankle and is rescued by a very dashing Mr Willoughby (Greg Wise). He courts Marianne and seems on the verge of proposing but he ends up making a hasty exit with no hope of return.

Invited to London by Sir John's mother in law, Mrs Jennings (Elizabeth Sprigs), Elinor, Marianne and the visiting Lucy Steele, start to experience London life. Marianne repeatedly attempts to contact Willoughby without success. Eventually they see each other at a ball where Willoughby is with his fiancee, a young woman of great wealth. Marianne, her romantic hopes dashed, falls into a state of despair and Elinor arranges for them to return home as soon as they are able, with the help of Col. Brandon.

In the meantime Edward finally visits ... to be confronted by Elinor AND Lucy! Austen being Austen, nothing is actually said about the confusion and what everyone is thinking but the actors easily translate the stress of the situation! Lucy has made aquaintance with both Edward's sister Fanny, and his younger brother Robert, and is in fact staying with Fanny, so Edward escorts her home. Standing by his vow of marrying her against all opposition, Edward declares his intention and is immediately disinherited.

Elinor and Marianne leave London in the care of Mrs Jenning's daughter Charlotte (Imelda Staunton) and her long-suffering husband (Hugh Laurie). Their estate, unfortunately, is adjacent to Willoughby's estate and Marianne predictably heads in that direction before she can be stopped. Caught in the weather, she is rescued by Col. Brandon and falls seriously ill. She eventually recovers and they all return home where Marianne continues her recuperation and in her new, quietened state, values the attentions of Col. Brandon.

Edward finally visits and clears up the mistaken thought that Lucy did indeed marry him, as she really married his brother Robert. Upon hearing he is single and thus available, poor Elinor finally breaks down and their feelings for each other are made clear, much to the delight of her family.

The film ends, at the wedding of Col. Brandon to Marianne and Edward to Elinor. A fitting end for a lovely story.

The Pursuit of Happyness

2008-03-17T11:20:00.004+11:00

This is a inspiring movie that gives you hope that no matter what the barriers, you can succeed if you choose to succeed.

The true story of Chris Gardner, who came from a small town, did some time in the Navy and as a hopeful husband and provider for his family became a salesman of mobile bone density machines which were incredibly hard to sell. The mid 1980s and the Rubik's Cube craze find him with a young son, a wife who appears constantly disappointed, the apartment drastically behind in rent, parking tickets galore and his car impounded.

A happy chap by nature, when walking past a large office block Chris sees a man park a flashy sports car and hop out to feed the meter. When he asks him what he does for a living, the man says he is a stock broker. Chris goes onto suggest you need a college degree for that, the man informs him, no, just a good head for numbers. Chris decides to see if he can get a job to become a stock broker too, but is very disappointed in his application for an internship that leaves his 'further education' as rather empty. He then manages to meet the head of recruiting for the internship repeatedly, finally making an impression on him by completing the supposedly unsolvable Rubik's Cube during a joint taxi ride across San Francisco.

He returns home late and finds his wife has left with their son and in the midst of this catastrophe gets a call from the head of recruitment to call a certain number to make an appointment for an interview. Unable to find a pen, he repeats the very lengthy number until he goes down the street and can write it down. He manages to retrieve his son, but is evicted due to non payment of his rent and gets a week's extension on the proviso that he paints the apartment. Mid-wall, covered in paint and wearing a pair of trousers, singlet and old jacket, he is visited by the police and taken to the station to pay his fines and is required to stay in overnight, only being let out half an hour prior to his interview. He runs all the way to the interview, begrimed and paint splattered and STILL manages to get one of the 20 internships available.

Disappointed to find that the internships require 6 months of work, without salary, after which only 1 will be selected and the skills are non- transferable to another company, no money in the bank, about to be evicted and with his son to raise, his resolve wavers. However he steels himself, does his sums to work out how they can live for the next six months and takes the job.

Then begins six months of turmoil and hard work. Dropping his son off to day care early, working at the brokerage firm without breaks, without drinking (so no toilet stops) to maximise his shorter working day, since he needs to leave early to collect his son. The weekends are consumed with trying to sell the remaining bone density scanners to doctors and the odd small highlight of entertainment or playing with his son. The bad luck doesn't cease with a tax bill wiping out his savings again, and being evicted again for getting behind in their rent, they are reduced to sleeping it rough and staying at a mission home until Chris can fix and sell the final scanner.

Luckily it ends well in success and happiness and leaves you full of admiration for the true grit the real Chris had in achieving his goals.

Brilliant acting by Will Smith as Chris, Jaden Smith (Will's son) plays the son Christopher, which must have added a realistic quality. Thandie Newton plays the dissatisfied wife, Linda. Brian Howe plays Jay Twistle, the head of recruitment and veteran actor James Karen plays the head of the interview panel (and previous internee) Martin Frohm.

Mr Darcy’s Diary

2008-03-09T18:22:00.002+11:00

I was interested to read this – women are always interested to hear what men REALLY thought, and I believe I had a desire to believe that men feel with the same depth of passion, to the detriment of everything else, when they fall in love. The author, Maya Slater (a woman), obviously wanted the same thing and she served this up in a nicely bound little package!

So, perhaps reality has to take a few leaps…. but it was nice to think that it could be so, that Mr Darcy did indeed feel the torment of unrequited love (at least for a little while). There is a little explanation at the end of the book that the diary was found in a little bureau that was being auctioned and it was found to bear a striking similarity to the story described in Pride and Prejudice. A nice touch.

This is pure fan-fic, a spin off from an established novel that meets the needs of the fans in wanting to know more – what happened before, after or behind the scenes. As such it does a credible job, but would have been better to have been written by a man. My husband immediately said when he saw me reading it, “well Mr Darcy wouldn’t have called it a diary… he would have called it a journal”. Hmmmm, it was an unsettling thought, but a realistic one. So as this thought sat and grew, I became a little more skeptical of Mr Dacry’s purported side of things as I read.

However, all said and done, it was a pleasant, easy read, that lovers of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will no doubt enjoy!

101 favourite books - Australia

2008-03-07T23:34:00.004+11:00

The Australia bookseller Dymocks recently released results of a survey of more than 15,000 members of their booklovers program. It is an eclectic mix – classic literature, comtemporary novels, fantasy epics and children’s favourites. Here are the 101 favourite books voted on:

1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings Series - J.R.R. Tolkien
3. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
4. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
5. Gone With the Wind - Margaret Mitchell
6. The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
7. Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
8. The Power of One - Bryce Courtenay
9. Magician - Raymond E. Feist
10. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
11. The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
12. Cloudstreet - Tim Winton
13. Cross Stitch - Diana Gabaldon
14. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
15. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
16. Tuesdays with Morrie - Mitch Albom
17. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
18. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
19. Mao's Last Dancer - Li Cunxin
20. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
21. Little Women - Louisa May Alcott
22. The Bronze Horseman - Paullina Simons
23. The Bible
24. Eragon - Christopher Paolini
25. The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver
26. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Series - Douglas Adams
27. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
28. Tomorrow, When the War Began - John Marsden
29. Ice Station - Matthew Reilly
30. Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery
31. The God of Small Things - Arundhati Roy
32. The Life of Pi - Yann Martel
33. Perfume - Patrick Suskind
34. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
35. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
36. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
37. Twilight - Stephanie Meyer
38. Angels and Demons - Dan Brown
39. The Pact - Jodi Picoult
40. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
41. Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt
42. April Fools Day - Bryce Courtenay
43. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Dernieres
44. Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett
45. Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts
46. The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
47. Tully - Paullina Simons
48. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
49. The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
50. A Fortunate Life - A. B. Facey
51. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
52. River God - Wilbur Smith
53. Wild Swans - Jung Chang
54. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
55. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
56. The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley
57. Persuasion - Jane Austen
58. The Shipping News - Annie Proulx
59. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
60. Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
61. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
62. Possession - A.S. Byatt
63. We Need to Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver
64. Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
65. My Family and Other Animals - Gerald Durrell
66. The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
67. Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding
68. Dune - Frank Herbert
69. Emma - Jane Austen
70. Marley and Me - John Grogan
71. Middlemarch - George Eliot
72. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
73. The Count of Monte Christo - Alexandre Dumas
74. The Secret history - Donna Tartt
75. Chocolat - Joanne Harris
76. Dirt Music - Tim Winton
77. Looking for Alibrandi - Melina Marchetta
78. My Brilliant Career - Miles Franklin
79. The Ancient Future - Traci Harding
80. Belgariad Series - David Eddings
81. The English Patient - Michael Ondaatje
82. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
83. The Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
84. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
85. The Stand - Stephen King
86. It - Stephen King
87. Northern Lights - Nora Roberts
88. The Diary of Anne Frank - Anne Frank
89. The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards
90. The Outsider - Albert Camus
91. The Riders - Tim Winton
92. Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson
93. Across the Nightingale Floor - Lian Hearn
94. Atonement - Ian McEwan
95. Circle of Friends - Maeve Binchy
96. Seven Ancient Wonders - Matthew Reilly
97. Tess of the D'Ubervilles - Thomas Hardy
98. The Godfather - Mario Puzo
99. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
100. The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory
101. The Red Tent - Anita Diamant

Miss Marple : At Bertram’s Hotel (2007)

2008-03-01T17:08:00.001+11:00

I enjoyed this rather energetic episode of the recent Miss Marple series. There was the usual assemblage of good British actors and a storyline that didn’t give it all away until the end (although suspicions ran high!)

In this episode Miss Marple (Geraldine McEwan) spends a couple of days at the Bertram’s Hotel, which she recalls staying at as a child in the late 1890s. (I found the setting refreshing as at least there wasn’t just a few people in a lonely place getting popped off one by one!) She is there to meet an old friend Lady Selina Hazy (Francesca Annis) who is visiting for the reading of a will of her millionaire second cousin, who owned Bertram’s and has just been declared legally dead after being missing for seven years.

Also there for the reading are this relation’s daughter, Elvira Blake (Emily Beecham) with her good friend Bridget (Mary Nighy), and Elvira’s mother Bess Sedgewick (Polly Walker). Elvira and Bess are hardly on speaking terms and everyone seems to hate Bess. Other visitors at the hotel are twins Jack and Joel (Nicholas Burns), hat designer Mutti (Danny Webb), foreigner Malinowski (Ed Stoppard), Canon Pennyfather (Charles Kay), and jazz singer Amelia Walker (Mica Paris). Staff at the hotel include maids Tilly (Hannah Spearritt) and Jane (Martine McCutcheon), doorman Micky Gorman (Vincent Regan).

At the beginning all is hustle and bustle as guests arrive and an impromptu performance by jazz singer Amelia Walker along with a purported Louis Armstrong causes a small crowd to gather. Into this walks Bess Sedgewick at which everything stops for a moment before resuming. Guests are still arriving and to add to the chaos, the visiting hat designer Mutti, faints at something or someone he sees in the foyer of the hotel. The maid Tilly is sought out by her friend Jane, who notes a new bracelet that Tilly has bought for herself with money gained in some, not quite “straight” way. Bess gets a shock to see doorman Micky and it is obvious they have some connection. She also begins to get death-threat letters.

The next morning Tilly is found dead on the roof and Inspector Bird (Stephen Mangan) arrives on the scene to start investigations. During the day the will reading takes place in the office of a solicitor who seems to have close connections to the manager of Bertram’s, and Elvira notes a painting (Rembrandt copy) that is in the office is the same as one she saw in the foyer of the hotel. Bess believes there is something sly going on with the accounts of her ex-husband’s business interests and demands to see the books the following day.

That night there is a shooting aimed at Bess (or Elvira) and when doorman Micky goes to get her out of the firing line, he is killed by the sniper. The same night Lady Selina’s jewels are stolen from out of her safe.

More investigations by the now slightly bumbling Inspector who is starting to listen avidly to Miss Marple’s suggestions and the deductions made by the amateur sleuth, the maid Jane.

Of course there are plots, sub plots and everything else you want to throw at it. I have read that it wasn’t a sincere or even remotely faithful adaptation of the book, but not having read the book, I just enjoyed the show for what it appeared to be.

Geraldine McEwan took a bit of a back seat in this episode, although she still gives directions from her vantage point. Martine McCutcheon (the Prime Minister’s assistant and love interest from Love Actually) plays her part as the amateur sleuth nicely and I enjoyed watching her. Francesca Annis (I last saw her as Lady Ingram in BBC’s Jane Eyre 2006) could not be expected to play any part poorly and so I was far from disappointed at her inclusion. Stephen Mangan played the increasingly confused Inspector very believably (I think I like bumbling police!!)

A good one to watch if, like me, you have no expectations!

The Bitterbynde Trilogy: The Battle for Evernight

2008-02-29T09:45:00.002+11:00

Close on the heels of The Lady of the Sorrows, I have now read the last in this trilogy.

In this closing book of Imrhein/Rohain/Ashalind she has recalled her previous life and is suffering once again under the Langothe (yearning for the land of Faeran) which may eventually kill her unless she can seek relief from the High King of Faeran himself. She realizes that the unseelie forces have been marshalled under the guidance of the Crown Prince of Faeran, Morragan, and from stories knows that the High King of Faeran, Angavar, is sleeping somewhere on Erith awaiting to be called forth in a time of need.

In her confusion, she decides it is best to seek the gateway to Faeran herself so that she can advise the gatekeeper of the secret word to open the box containing the keys that have locked the doors between the worlds of Faeran and Erith. The gatekeeper can then retrieve the High King and deal with Morragan. Her maids, Viviana and Caitri accompany her on the journey from Huntingtowers, through the Khazathdur forest, watery Irallillir and partway through the orchards of Cinnarine. On their journey they are accompanied by a swan maiden, a urisk and a waterhorse who are all seelie.

The unseelie forces are on the hunt again and The Hunt itself kidnaps Viviana with her dyed golden tresses and Caitri. Rohain/Ashalind abandons her further journey north to the Faeran gateway to try and rescue her friends and so travels east to the country of Namarre and the stronghold of Morragan himself. Here she is quickly discovered and is imprisoned whilst Morragan tries to both fight the armies of the King-Emperor and find out the location of the gateway Ashalind came through. Here she finds out the true identity of Thorn.

Her mind still blocked to the gateway’s location, Morragan eventually fights Angavar and is mortally wounded although he retains some semblance of life as a Raven who is allowed to go free. Thorn and Ashalind are reunited and betrothed and plan to seek the gateway after the coronation of the new King-Emperor.

(I shall refrain from the final ending however!)

It was pleasing to see a decent map included with this book making the journeys of Ashalind easier to follow. I admit to finding myself becoming a tad frustrated with the main character’s undertaking her journey/quests almost on a whim and basically unprepared and had to continually remind myself that this character was only supposed to be a girl of 17, however given her maturity in other aspects, this really annoyed me! Given the complete concentration on Ashalind in this third book, I would have liked to have known something about what was going on in the rest of the land – perhaps the story needed to be written from two perspectives?

I must admit that I was pretty disappointed in the ending. It felt as though it was cut dramatically short, missing the detail evident in the rest of the books. Also the possibility of two alternate (and brief) endings felt rather unsatisfactory. Given the fairy tale quality of the books, I truly wanted to be ensured of a fairy tale ending. Naïve of me perhaps but it still doesn’t change such a desire!

And the 2008 Oscar goes to...

2008-02-26T22:38:00.002+11:00

Performance by an actor in a leading role

George Clooney in "Michael Clayton"
Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" (winner)
Johnny Depp in "Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
Tommy Lee Jones in "In the Valley of Elah"
Viggo Mortensen in "Eastern Promises"

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

Casey Affleck in "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
Javier Bardem in "No Country for Old Men" (winner)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Charlie Wilson's War"
Hal Holbrook in "Into the Wild"
Tom Wilkinson in "Michael Clayton"

Performance by an actress in a leading role

Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Julie Christie in "Away from Her"
Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose" (winner)
Laura Linney in "The Savages"
Ellen Page in "Juno"

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Cate Blanchett in "I'm Not There"
Ruby Dee in "American Gangster"
Saoirse Ronan in "Atonement"
Amy Ryan in "Gone Baby Gone"
Tilda Swinton in "Michael Clayton" (winner)

Best animated feature film of the year

"Persepolis" : Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud
"Ratatouille" : Brad Bird (winner)
"Surf's Up" : Ash Brannon and Chris Buck

Achievement in art direction

"American Gangster"
"Atonement"
"The Golden Compass"
"Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (winner)
"There Will Be Blood"

Achievement in cinematography

"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford": Roger Deakins
"Atonement": Seamus McGarvey
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly": Janusz Kaminski
"No Country for Old Men" : Roger Deakins
"There Will Be Blood" : Robert Elswit (winner)

Achievement in costume design

"Across the Universe" Albert Wolsky
"Atonement" Jacqueline Durran
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" Alexandra Byrne (winner)
"La Vie en Rose" Marit Allen
"Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" Colleen Atwood

Achievement in directing

"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" Julian Schnabel
"Juno" Jason Reitman
"Michael Clayton" Tony Gilroy
"No Country for Old Men" Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (winner)
"There Will Be Blood" Paul Thomas Anderson

Best documentary feature

"No End in Sight"
"Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience"
"Sicko"
"Taxi to the Dark Side" (winner)
"War/Dance"

Best documentary short subject

"Freeheld" (winner)
"La Corona (The Crown)"
"Salim Baba"
"Sari's Mother"

Achievement in film editing

"The Bourne Ultimatum": Christopher Rouse (winner)
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" : Juliette Welfling
"Into the Wild" : Jay Cassidy
"No Country for Old Men" : Roderick Jaynes
"There Will Be Blood" : Dylan Tichenor

Best foreign language film of the year

"Beaufort" Israel
"The Counterfeiters" Austria (winner)
"Katyn" Poland
"Mongol" Kazakhstan
"12" Russia

Achievement in makeup

"La Vie en Rose" : Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald (winner)
"Norbit" : Rick Baker and Kazuhiro Tsuji
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" : Ve Neill and Martin Samuel

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

"Atonement" :Dario Marianelli (winner)
"The Kite Runner" : Alberto Iglesias
"Michael Clayton" : James Newton Howard
"Ratatouille" :Michael Giacchino
"3:10 to Yuma" : Marco Beltrami

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

"Falling Slowly" from "Once" : Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and: Marketa Irglova (winner)
"Happy Working Song" from "Enchanted" : Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
"Raise It Up" from "August Rush" : Music and Lyric by Jamal Joseph, Charles Mack and Tevin Thomas
"So Close" from "Enchanted" : Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
"That's How You Know" from "Enchanted" : Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz

Best motion picture of the year

"Atonement"
"Juno"
"Michael Clayton"
"No Country for Old Men" (Winner)
"There Will Be Blood"

Best animated short film

"I Met the Walrus"
"Madame Tutli-Putli"
"Même les Pigeons Vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven)"
"My Love (Moya Lyubov)"
"Peter & the Wolf"(winner)

Best live action short film

"At Night"
"Il Supplente (The Substitute)"
"Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)" (winner)
"Tanghi Argentini"
"The Tonto Woman"

Achievement in sound editing

"The Bourne Ultimatum" (winner)
"No Country for Old Men"
"Ratatouille"
"There Will Be Blood"
"Transformers"

Achievement in sound mixing

"The Bourne Ultimatum" (winner)
No country for Old Men"
"Ratatouille"
"3:10 to Yuma"
"Transformers"

Achievement in visual effects

"The Golden Compass" (winner)
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
"Transformers"

Adapted screenplay

"Atonement" , Screenplay by Christopher Hampton
"Away from Her" , Written by Sarah Polley
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" , Screenplay by Ronald Harwood
"No Country for Old Men" , Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen (winner)
"There Will Be Blood" , Written for the screen by Paul Thomas Anderson

Original screenplay

"Juno", Written by Diablo Cody (winner)
"Lars and the Real Girl" , Written by Nancy Oliver
"Michael Clayton" , Written by Tony Gilroy
"Ratatouille" , Screenplay by Brad Bird; Story by Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco, Brad Bird
"The Savages" , Written by Tamara Jenkins

The Bitterbynde Trilogy: The Lady of Sorrows

2008-02-26T12:41:00.002+11:00

After reading The Ill Made Mute I just couldn’t wait to read the subsequent novels and so I read The Lady of Sorrows as soon as I got it!

In this book, Imrhein continues on her quest to find the King and inform him of the treasure under Waterstair. Fully recovered after the healing by the Carlin Maeve One Eye, and in disguise as Lady Rohain of the Sorrow Isles, with her golden tresses dyed black, she proceeds to Caermelor Palace. She is admitted and speaks with the King’s trusted Dainnan leader, Tamlain Conmor and tells her tale of the Waterstair treasure. She helps to retrieve it with the Royal Bard, Thomas Rhymer and is rewarded handsomely for her assistance.

Having to wait upon the King’s availability to bestow her newly gained title, she learns the nuances of court life however her naivety and youth leads her to believe the best of people when they certainly don’t deserve it. Her maid, Viviana, however is true and loyal. She is thrilled when she discovers that Siandah, the Ert with whom she discovered the Waterstair treasure is still alive although imprisoned in the Palace’s dungeons. She intends to plead for his life with the King but in the meantime Siandah encourages her to visit Isse Tower where her earliest memories lie to see if more of her life can be remembered. A few fleeting memories have already started to return but she doesn’t understand them.

A fellow courtier, who has befriended Rohain (but whose motives are suspect), sees Rohain’s golden roots when she is assisting with her hair one day and shortly after discovers her identity, telling her to leave Court immediately or she will tell everyone that she is not who she says she is. She departs for Isse Tower where as Lady Rohain she learns a little – that the deformed mute was found near Huntingtowers, a few hours ride from Isse Tower. She decides to journey there however her journey is not completed before she needs to return to the tower where she finds her quarters have been attacked by unseelie forces. She is reunited with Thorn who she finds is not just a Dainnan warrior. Returning to Caermelor with Thorn she is incredibly happy but still has little knowledge of her life before Isse Tower. Thorn departs to the wars and she is left on the enchanted Isle of Tamhania till his return.

She spend time on Tamhania but eventually it is attacked and she flees along with the other inhabitants. Finding herself shipwrecked on the shore near Huntingtowers, she proceeds there along with Viviana and Caitri and regains her memory.

Once again the story is magical and very poetic. You feel wonder as her story is revealed and once again I can’t wait for the next book.

Madame Bovary (2000)

2008-02-23T16:13:00.002+11:00

A rather lavish production with regards to costumes, scenery and details, but I do wonder at the popularity of such a story (at least as portrayed here).

The story begins with a young Emma in a convent school being visited by her father with the news that her mother has died. Overcome with grief, the nuns believe she is turning to God, however she is too full of life and her rather earthly enjoyments soon direct her back home. Her father is a gentleman farmer and shortly after her return home, he has a fall from a tree. She calls the local doctor - Charles Bovary who finds himself quite taken by the spirited young Emma. In short order she finds herself married. Charles is quiet and amiable and thrilled with his lovely new wife, but Emma finds married life not as exciting or as thrilling as she was hoping.

Although she makes attempts at enlivening her marriage with some passion, she doesn’t succeed very well and feeling rather sorry for herself and suffocated by the small town in which they live, she becomes depressed. In an effort to brighten her up, Charles manages to illicit an invitation to a nearby noble’s ball where Emma dances with a Vicomte and believes that that particular moment was the highlight of her life.

After the ball, the boring reality of her life returns and all she longs for is the glitter and excitement of big towns, bright lights and lots of glamorous people. In an effort to appease his wife’s desires, Dr. Bovary moves them to a larger (but still regional) town where he has to rebuild his business. Emma is in the early stages of pregnancy, which it seems she doesn’t really want.

Of course, the town isn’t big enough, or exciting enough for her and she finds solace in Leon, a young man studying to be a lawyer. He wants to be a poet and live in Paris and so they are relatively kindred souls. A small respite to her discontent is found with the birth of her daughter but she quickly realises she is not the maternal type. Leon and Emma meet and talk regularly but eventually he leaves as he cannot bear to be so close (and yet not close) to her.

In the meantime Emma is showing her spendthrift temperament and spends more than she has on lavish furnishings for their home. She feels an exciting glow when a handsome and rich man, Rodolphe, arrives in the neighbourhood and pays her attention. In short order she and Rodolphe are having a torrid affair. Once again her need for passion and excitement is underlined and even though Rodolphe is quite enamoured of his new mistress, he becomes wary of her unwavering devotion. Emma plans for them to run away together but he stops this foolhardy plan at the last moment.

Once again, her passion thwarted, she goes into depression. In his concern Charles seeks additional medical help for his wife and borrows money from the local moneylender who advises him of Madame Bovary’s already large bill.

Not wanting to think badly of his pretty young wife he doesn’t reprimand her spending, but arranges a night at the theatre in Rouen and there she sees her first ‘fling’, Leon, looking dapper on his way to the theatre. She is mesmerized by him and soon she manages to arrange piano lessons in Rouen where she and Leon can have their clandestine meetings. Rodolphe returns after some time to the village but neither he or she go out of their way to meet.

In the process of her affair with Leon, she manages to further inflict debt upon her unsuspecting and trusting husband and the debt becomes so large that the moneylender on-sells the debt to even larger sharks who charge a fortune in interest and threaten to repossess their house and all their belongings.

In an awakening of her situation, desperation sets in and she visits Leon attempting (by using her womanly wiles) to get him to steal money for her. He refuses. Then she sees a lawyer who is rather disgusting and wants, of course, HER, in return for paying off her debt. This time she refuses. Then onto Rodolphe who announces that he can’t help her – he is penniless himself. In shock that she can’t coerce someone to rescue her from the hole she has dug for herself, sees childishly sees that death is her only escape.

After managing to eat a handful of arsenic, she returns home but her illness is soon apparent, confirmed by the pharmacist. Nothing can be done and she dies a quite painful death. Her husband continues to see only her fragility and the good side of her nature and is crushed by her death.

Having not read the novel, I can’t say whether the characters were truly portrayed and if there was further depth to Emma, for example, than was visible from this production. Therefore my reaction to this was that I wanted to give Emma a good shaking! Her character was portrayed as one who consistently went overboard in her desires. Was the book written as a moral “beware” or was it a story of a girl who never really grew up and only wanted what she couldn’t have?

I saw the leads play the parts thus: Frances O’Conner played Emma’s character as a spoiled and rebellious child with her unquenched desire for ‘more’. Hugh Bonneville played Charles quietly, lovingly and with dignity. Hugh Dancy as Leon had a restless fire in the first part of the film, but looked a bit blank in the second half. Greg Wise played Rodolphe roguishly although sometimes flatly. Charles Bovary’s mother is played by Eileen Atkins and I think that she secretly relished her part – it is played with much gusto.

Given the frustration I felt with Emma’s character, I don’t think I could bear to watch this again!

2008 Theatregoers Choice Awards

2008-02-23T14:23:00.007+11:00

I stumbled across the Whatsonstage Awards, announced yesterday, as voted on by the public (25,000 of them)! Obviously this is British but it is interesting to note how many of their respected actors appear in stage productions and films (and of course TV). A versatile group indeed.

The FRANCO’S Best Actress in a Play

Anne-Marie Duff – Saint Joan at the NT Olivier
Janie Dee – Shadowlands at Wyndham’s
Kate Fleetwood – Macbeth at the Gielgud
Kristin Scott Thomas – The Seagull at the Royal Court
Maggie Smith – The Lady from Dubuque at the Theatre Royal Haymarket (winner)

Tamsin Greig – Much Ado About Nothing, RSC at the Novello

Best Actor in a Play

Charles Dance – Shadowlands at Wyndham’s
Ian McKellen – King Lear, RSC at the New London (winner)

John Simm – Elling at the Bush & Trafalgar Studios
Paterson Joseph – The Emperor Jones at the NT Olivier
Patrick Stewart – Macbeth at the Gielgud, The Tempest & Antony & Cleopatra, RSC at the Novello
Robert Lindsay – The Entertainer at the Old Vic

Best Supporting Actress in a Play

Amanda Hale – The Glass Menagerie at the Apollo
Andrea Riseborough – The Pain & the Itch at the Royal Court
Diana Rigg – All About My Mother at the Old Vic (winner)
Frances de la Tour – Boeing-Boeing at the Comedy
Pam Ferris – The Entertainer at the Old Vic
Ruth Wilson – Philistines at the NT Lyttelton

Best Supporting Actor in a Play

David Haig – The Country Wife at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Lee Evans – The Dumb Waiter at Trafalgar Studios (winner)
Mark Gatiss – All About My Mother at the Old Vic
Nigel Lindsay – Awake & Sing at the Almeida
Paul Ritter – The Hothouse at the NT Lyttelton
Rory Kinnear – The Man of Mode at the NT Olivier

Best Actress in a Musical

Denise Van Outen – Rent at the Duke of York’s
Lara Pulver – Parade at the Donmar Warehouse
Leanne Jones – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury (winner)
Sheridan Smith – Little Shop of Horrors at the Duke of York’s & Ambassadors
Summer Strallen – The Drowsy Chaperone at the Novello
Susan McFadden – Grease at the Piccadilly

The SEE TICKETS Best Actor in a Musical

Bertie Carvel – Parade at the Donmar Warehouse
Henry Goodman – Fiddler on the Roof at the Savoy
James Loye – The Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Lee Mead – Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi
Michael Ball – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury (winner)
Paul Keating – Little Shop of Horrors at the Duke of York’s & Ambassadors

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical

Beverley Klein – Fiddler on the Roof at the Savoy
Elaine Paige – The Drowsy Chaperone at the Novello
Laura Michelle Kelly – The Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Nicole Faraday – Bad Girls at the Garrick
Preeya Kalidas – Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi
Tracie Bennett – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury (winner)

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical

Ben James-Ellis – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury (winner)
Dean Collinson – Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi
Mel Smith – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury
Michael Jibson – Take Flight at the Menier Chocolate Factory
Michael Therriault – The Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Shaun Escoffery – Parade at the Donmar Warehouse

Best Solo Performance

Fiona Shaw – Happy Days at the NT Lyttelton (winner)
Lucy Briers – Some Kind of Bliss at Trafalgar Studios
Patrick Kielty – A Night in November at Trafalgar Studios
Ralf Little – Stacy at Trafalgar Studios
Richard Schiff – Underneath the Lintel at the Duchess
Robert Bathurst – Alex at the Arts

Best Ensemble Performance

Betrayal – at the Donmar Warehouse
Dealer’s Choice – at the Menier Chocolate Factory
Glengarry Glen Ross – at the Apollo
Philistines – at the NT Lyttelton
The Taming of the Shrew & Twelfth Night – Propeller at the Old Vic (winner)
War Horse – at the NT Olivier

Best Takeover in a Role

Dianne Pilkington – Wicked at the Apollo Victoria
Kelly Osbourne – Chicago at the Cambridge
Kerry Ellis – Wicked at the Apollo Victoria (winner)
Leila Benn Harris & Robyn North – The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s
Peter Davison – Spamalot at the Palace
Ramin Karimloo – The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s

The NICK HERN BOOKS Best New Play

A Disappearing Number by Complicite – at the Barbican
All About My Mother by Samuel Adamson – at the Old Vic (winner)
Joe Guy by Roy Williams – at Soho Theatre
Landscape with Weapon by Joe Penhall – at the NT Cottesloe
That Face by Polly Stenham – at the Royal Court Upstairs
War Horse by Nick Stafford – at the NT Olivier

Best New Comedy

Elling by Simon Bent – at the Bush & Trafalgar Studios (winner)
Moonlight & Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson – at the Tricycle
Rafta Rafta by Ayub Khan-Din – at the NT Lyttelton
The Pain & the Itch by Bruce Norris – at the Royal Court
Vernon God Little by Tanya Ronder – at the Young Vic
Whipping It Up by Steve Thompson – at the Bush & Ambassadors

The SUPERBREAK Best New Musical

Bad Girls The Musical by Kath Gotts, Maureen Chadwick & Ann McManus – at the Garrick
Hairspray by Marc Shaiman, Scott Whitman, Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan – at the Shaftesbury (winner)
Parade by Jason Robert Brown & Alfred Uhry – at the Donmar Warehouse
Take Flight by Richard Maltby Jr, David Shire & John Weidman – at the Menier Chocolate Factory
The Drowsy Chaperone by Greg Morrison, Lisa Lambert, Don McKellar & Bob Martin – at the Novello
The Lord of the Rings by AR Rahman, Varttina, Christopher Nightingale, Shaun McKenna & Matthew Warchus – at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Best Play Revival

Boeing-Boeing – at the Comedy
Equus – at the Gielgud (winner)
Saint Joan – at the NT Olivier
The Country Wife – at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
The Dumb Waiter – at Trafalgar Studios
In Celebration – at the Duke of York’s

The TICKETMASTER Best Musical Revival

Buddy – at the Duchess
Fiddler on the Roof – at the Savoy
Grease – at the Piccadilly
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – at the Adelphi (winner)
Little Shop of Horrors – at the Duke of York’s & Ambassadors
Rent – at the Duke of York’s

Best Shakespearean Production

Antony & Cleopatra – RSC at the Novello
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – at the Roundhouse
King Lear – RSC at the New London
Macbeth – at the Gielgud (winner)
Much Ado About Nothing – RSC at the Novello
The Merchant of Venice – at Shakespeare’s Globe

Best Director

Jack O’Brien – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury (winner)
Marianne Elliott – Much Ado About Nothing, RSC at the Novello, Saint Joan & War Horse at the NT Olivier
Matthew Warchus – Boeing-Boeing at the Comedy & The Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Roger Michell – Landscape with Weapon at the NT Cottesloe & Betrayal at the Donmar Warehouse
Rupert Goold – The Glass Menagerie at the Apollo, The Tempest, RSC at the Novello, Rough Crossings at the Lyric Hammersmith & Macbeth at the Gielgud
Thea Sharrock – Equus at the Gielgud, The Emperor Jones at the NT Olivier & Cloud Nine at the Almeida

Best Set Designer

Anthony Ward – Glengarry Glen Ross at the Apollo, Macbeth at the Gielgud, The Arsonists & Rhinoceros at the Royal Court
Bunny Christie – Philistines & Women of Troy at the NT Lyttelton
David Rockwell – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury
Hildegard Bechtler – All About My Mother at the Old Vic & The Hothouse at the NT Lyttelton
Rae Smith & the Handspring Puppet Company – War Horse at the NT Olivier
Rob Howell – The Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (winner)

Best Choreographer

Bill Deamer – Lady Be Good at the Open Air Theatre
Casey Nicholaw – The Drowsy Chaperone at the Novello
Jerry Mitchell – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury (winner)
Kate Flatt – Fiddler on the Roof at the Savoy
Peter Darling – The Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Rob Ashford – Parade at the Donmar Warehouse

The DEWYNTERS London Newcomer of the Year

Arthur Darvill – Terre Haute at Trafalgar Studios & Swimming with Sharks at the Vaudeville
Billie Piper – Treats at the Garrick
Colin Morgan – Vernon God Little at the Young Vic & All About My Mother at the Old Vic
Daniel Radcliffe – Equus at the Gielgud (winner)

Leanne Jones – Hairspray at the Shaftesbury
Orlando Bloom – In Celebration at the Duke of York’s

Best Off-West End Production

A Christmas Carol & The Magic Flute – at the Young Vic (winner)
Dealer’s Choice – at the Menier Chocolate Factory
I Love You Because – at the Landor (winner)
tHe dYsFUnCKshOnalZ! – at the Bush
The Masque of the Red Death – at Battersea Arts Centre
Vernon God Little – at the Young Vic

Best Regional Production

Angels in America – on tour
Henry V – at the Royal Exchange, Manchester
Never Forget – on tour
Pygmalion – at the Theatre Royal Bath & on tour (winner)
Sunshine on Leith – at Dundee Rep
The Big Secret Live: I Am Shakespeare – at Chichester Festival & on tour

The AKA Theatre Event of the Year

Daniel Radcliffe’s steamy publicity shots for Equus (winner)
Launch of the Theatre Royal Haymarket Company & its first season under Jonathan Kent
Nicholas Hytner’s “dead white males” comment about critics
Punchdrunk’s takeover of BAC for The Masque of the Red Death
Reopening of the Royal Festival Hall
Reality TV head-to-head between Any Dream Will Do & Grease Is the Word

Honourable mentions:

The success of the Royal Court’s Young Writers’ Programme
Will Keen’s extraordinary performances in two roles for which he was not originally cast – Kiss of the Spider Woman at the Donmar Warehouse and The Arsonists at the Royal Court
Michael Ball’s transformation as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray

Marie Antoinette

2008-02-19T23:48:00.002+11:00

The intensely lush scenery, costumes and details is a definite drawcard for this movie. The story was rather slight however, touching upon Marie Antoinette’s life from her marriage through to the start of French Revolution in between magnificent scenery vistas. Whilst this portrayal is light it at least gives her the benefit of being an able noble should she turn her mind to it, the French court manages to turn her into a vain, fashion and party loving woman.

It starts briefly in Austria with a childlike young woman of 15, continues to her exchange with the French representatives where she is affectionate and caring and therefore seen as unsophisticated. From there she goes to meet her bridegroom, who is shy and retiring from all but his hunting companions. Her introduction into the French court is hostile and thence off to her marriage bed, watched by all. Her bridegroom is innocent to the ways of women and their marriage is unconsummated for an embarrassingly long time. The highly critical French court is impossible to win over, apart from a brief moment or two, and always see her as an unwelcome foreigner.

The old ruler dies and Louis becomes king and Marie Antoinette queen at the tender age of 19. During this time she copes by becoming rather frivolous and eager to only have a good time (oh, and totally addicted to shoes!). Eventually the couple manage to cement their marriage and seem content with each other and their new daughter. Marie Antoinette is gifted by Louis with a country estate where she relaxes and softens and has a brief affair with a Swedish Count.

Eventually her return to Versailles is necessary but she finds she is no longer even briefly esteemed by any but her close companions. She has two sons, one of which survives before there is obvious rebellion by the population and comments are attributed to her that she doesn’t actually make (eg. ‘Let them eat cake’). She and Louis show surprising backbone by wishing to stay with their children in the palace after all the other nobility has sought refuge elsewhere. The movie concludes with their eventual carriage ride away from Versailles to probable imprisonment.

Dialogue is short and there is the odd moment of dizzying photography when the camera is supposed to be from a person’s view, bobbing up and down, making it hard to focus or enjoy. The music varies from classical to rock but it works well.

Kirsten Dunst makes a radiant Marie Antoinette and one with much joie de vivre, albeit with an American accent. Highlights include Judy Davis brilliantly playing a Countess whose job it is to ensure Marie Antoinette does all the correct things. She manages to look outraged, frantic and sublimely in control according to the role’s requirements. She is one of the rare actors that can portray a multitude of words and gestures with just her look. Steve Coogan entertainingly plays Ambassador Mercy who struggles to keep Marie Antoinette on the straight and narrow path. Rose Byrne plays a lighthearted Duchesse who although frowned upon, is immediately likeable.

A magnificent visual feast and a nice, lighter take on the ill-fated queen. You can't help but be a bit annoyed by her, whilst still feeling sorry for her!

The Bitterbynde Trilogy: The Ill-Made Mute

2008-02-19T23:43:00.002+11:00

A sweeping fantasy novel by Cecilia Dart-Thornton. From the first page Cecilia draws you in with vivid descriptions in a well constructed world. You can tell it is going to be an interesting journey as you have immediate empathy for the poor damaged creature who has the lead role in the novel. You feel elated in its eventual escape, but worry for its safety and relief at its seeming rescue. You feel worry and thrill in accordance with the story and the end literally left me with tears streaming down my face.

It has more flesh than some of the more ‘standard’ fantasy novels that have an aim and try and get there (with as much done as possible) in a straight line. This story however, meanders along and asks you to enjoy the journey. The prose is rich and poetic and incredibly detailed, so if you like action style fantasy novels this won’t be one for you.

The lore and bestiary of the world is well thought out and draws heavily on little known Celtic lore, but the high number of unusual words make it a slight trial if you let yourself get bogged down on them. A more comprehensive phrase and word reference would have been helpful in this respect.

The basic story is that of a severely disfigured and mute foundling, reared in a remote castle by a lowly servant, where it is abhorred by all who see it. Lonely and longing for something more, the youth escapes on a Windship that is attacked by pirates and culminates in a sudden escape/rescue by a red-haired Ertish adventurer. Truths are revealed and a name bestowed upon the nameless fugitive. A magical journey ensues with the Ertishman. Learning that the disfigurement may be healed, a journey to far Caermelor to seek a famed healer is undertaken with disastrous results and a wilderness must then be crossed with two companions – a young Ertishman who feels bound to assist the mute, and a Dainnan ranger who is courteous but distant.

I am looking forward to reading the next instalment in the trilogy!

Stand By Me

2008-02-18T00:00:00.004+11:00

A time when memories were made and where reality impinges into the lives of some twelve year old boys.

The story is about 4 friends who live in a small town c. 1950s and amuse themselves intermittently with card games, big talk, dares and cartoon characters. They are from differing backgrounds - Teddy has a father who is mentally unstable, Vern has a brother that is a local lout, Chris has an alcoholic father and Gordie has a family who is still grieving for the loss of their older son.

Vern overhears his brother talking about a dead boy they found, but they are unwilling to tell the authorities because they saw it in the process of stealing of a car. Vern sees the chance of an adventure and tells his friends who shortly set off on a mini camping trip to find the dead boy, after misleading their parents as to their whereabouts and forgetting to pack essential supplies (like food!). On their journey they have mini-adventures, some scares and some discussions about things that are important to twelve year olds. During some quieter moments they reveal some of their internal sorrows and worries. They grow up a little during the journey and some of their friendships are cemented.

Quality acting by the two leads - Wil Wheaton (Gordie) and River Pheonix (Chris) - the latter especially turns in an brilliant performance. Cory Feldman is a familiar face and enjoys the role of a slightly crazy Teddy and Gerry O'Connell plays a convincing Vern, although is hardly recognisable from the adult actor! Head of the local louts is played by Kiefer Sutherland who plays "baddie" roles so convincingly.

Even though this is an old movie, from 1986, it is well worth a watch. Showing the value of friendship it would be suitable for younger teen boys, however there is quite a bit of language so beware for younger viewers.

Luther

2008-02-12T17:30:00.000+11:00

Having no preconceptions about this movie, I was very pleasantly surprised. It was informative, the pace was steady and the acting good.

This film is based on the life of Martin Luther, the founder of the Lutheran Church in the 16th century. Initially a law student, he become a Catholic monk after surviving a particularly terrible storm. The Father of his monastry sent him to study and he became a Professor of Theology who was bright, entertaining and had the common touch. He eventually became disillusioned with the Catholic church and held a belief that God was loving and through the Bible should be accessible to all.

Obviously written from the perspective of the Lutheran church rather than the Catholic, there are some scenarios that may not be tasteful to some. However, with an open mind, accepting of the past as past, it is a film that can be enjoyed and considered.

Joseph Fiennes (who I recognized from Shakespeare in Love) plays Martin Luther. He strongly portrays a haunted Martin and the character as written (such as having a talent for the written word but only occasional flashes or oratory brilliance) is realistic. Sir Peter Ustinov is perfect as the amiable Prince Frederick the Wise and the supporting cast overall played their parts credibly and with feeling.

BAFTAs 2008

2008-02-11T15:13:00.000+11:00

London 10 February 2008

Best Film:
Atonement (winner)
American Gangster
Das Leben der Anderen
No Country for Old Men
There will be Blood

Outstanding British Film of the Year:
This is England (winner)
Atonement
The Bourne Ultimatum
Control
Eastern Promises

Best Actor:
Daniel Day Lewis in There will be Blood (winner)
George Clooney in Michael Clayton
James McAvoy in Atonement
Viggo Mortensen in Eastern Promises
Ulrich Muhe in Das Leben der Anderen

Best Actress:
Marion Cotillard in Le Mome/ La Vie En Rose (winner)
Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie in Away From Her
Keira Knightly in Atonement
Ellen Page in Juno

Best Supporting Actor:
Javier Barden in No Country for Old Men (winner)
Paul Dano in There Will be Blood
Philip Seymour Hoffman in Charlie Wilsons's War
Tommy Lee Jones in No Country for Old Men
Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton

Best Supporting Actress:
Tilda Swinton for Michael Clayton (winner)
Cate Blanchett for I'm Not There
Kelly Macdonald for No Country for Old Men
Samantha Morton for Control
Saoirse Ronan for Atonement

Achievement in Direction:
Ethan Coen and Joel Coen for No Country for Old Men (winner)
Paul Thomas Anderson for There will be Blood
Paul Greengrass for The Bourne Ultimatum
Florian Henkel von Donnersmarck for Das Leben der Anderen
Joe Wright for Atonement

Best Screenplay (Original):
Juno (winner)
American Gangster
Das Leben der Anderen
Michael Clayton
This is England

Best Screenplay (Adapted):
Le Scaphandre et le papillon (winner)
Atonement
The Kite Runner
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Best Cinematography:
No Country for Old Men (winner)
American Gangster
Atonement
The Bourne Ultimatum
There Will Be Blood

Best Editing:
The Bourne Ultimatum (winner)
American Gangster
Atonement
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men

Best Production Design:
Atonement (winner)
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
There will be Blood
La Mome/ La Vie En Rose

Best Costume Design:
La Mome / La Vie En Rose (winner)
Atonement
Elizabeth:The Golden Age
Se,jie
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Award for Film Music:
La Mome / La Vie En Rose (winner)
American Gangster
Atonement
The Kite Runner
There Will Be Blood

Best Make Up/Hair
La Mome / La Vie En Rose(winner)
Atonement
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Hairspray
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best Sound:
The Bourne Ultimatum (winner)
Atonement
No Country for Old Men
There will be Blood
La Mome / La Vie En Rose

Special Visual Effects:
The Golden Compass (winner)
The Bourne Ultimatum
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Spiderman 3

Film not in the English Language:
Das Leben der Anderen (winner)
Le Scaphandre et le papillon
The Kite Runner
Se, jie
La Mome / La Vie En Rose

Animated Feature Film:
Ratatouille (winner)
Shrek the Third
The Simpsons Movie

Rising Star Award:
Shia LeBeouf (winner)
Sienna Miller
Ellen Page
Sam Riley
Wei Tang

Most Promising Newcomer:
Matt Greenhalgh (winner)
Chris Atkins
Mia Bays
Sarah Gavron
Andrew Piddington

Best Short Animation:
The Pearce Sisters (winner)
Head Over Heels
The Crumblegiant

Best Short Film:
Dog Altogether (winner)
Hesitation
The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island
Soft
The Stronger

Writers Screen Guild Awards 2008

2008-02-10T18:46:00.000+11:00

Announced Saturday 9 February 2008 at an informal reception at the Hudson Theatre.

Original Screenplay
Juno, Diablo Cody (winner)
Knocked Up, Judd Apatow
Lars and the Real Girl, Nancy Oliver
Michael Clayton, Tony Gilroy
The Savages, Tamara Jenkins

Adapted Screenplay
Into the Wild, Sean Penn
No Country for Old Men, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen (winner)
Le Scaphandre et le Papillion, Ronald Harwood
There Will Be Blood, Paul Thomas Anderson
Zodiac, James Vanderbilt

Documentary Screenplay
The Camden 28, Anthony Giacchino
Nanking, Bill Guttentag, Dan Sturman, Elizabeth Bentley
No End in Sight, Charles Ferguson
The Rape of Europa, Richard Berge, Bonni Cohen, Nicole Newnham
Sicko, Michael Moore
Taxi to the Dark Side, Alex Gibney (winner)

Dramatic Series
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Mad Men
The Sopranos
The Wire (winner)

Comedy Series
30 Rock (winner)
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Flight of the Conchords
The Office

New Series
Damages
The Flight of the Conchords
Mad Men (winner)
Pushing Daisies
The Sarah Silverman Program

Episodic Drama
The Closer, Michale Alaimo ‘The Round File’
Dexter, Timothy Schlattmann ‘The Dark Defender’
Lost, Damon Lidelof & Drew Goddard ‘Flashes Before Your Eyes’
Mad Men, Chris Provenzano ‘The Hobo Code’
The Sopranos, Terrence Winter ‘The Second Coming’ (winner)
The Wire, David Simon & Ed Burns ‘Final Grades’

Episodic Comedy
30 Rock, Matt Hubbard ‘Negotiations’
The Flight of the Conchords, James Bobin, Jemaine Clement & Bret McKenzie ‘Sally Returns’
The Office, Paul Lieberstein & Michael Schur ‘The Job’ (winner)
The Office, B J Novak ‘Local Ad’
The Office, Caroline Williams ‘Phyllis’ Wedding’
Pushing Daisies, Bryan Fuller ‘Pie-Lette’

Long Form – Original
Pandemic, Bryce Zabel, Jackie Zabel (winner)
The Lost Room, Laura Harkcom, Christopher Leone, Paul Workman

Long Form – Adaptation
The Company, Ken Nolan (winner)
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Daniel Giat
The Starter Wife, Josann McGibbon, Sara Parriott

Animation
The Haw-Hawed Couple (The Simpsons), Matt Selman
The Homer of Seville (The Simpsons), Carolyn Omine
Kill Gil Volumes 1&2 (The Simpsons), Jeff Westbrook (winner)
Stop or My Dog Will Shoot! (The Simpsons), John Frink
The Passion of the Dauterive (King of the Hill), Tony Gama-Lobo & Rebecca May
Lucky's Wedding Suit (King of the Hill), Jim Dauterive

Comedy/Variety
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
The Colbert Report (winner)
Late Night with Conan O’Brien
Penn & Teller: Bullshit!
Real Time with Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live

Daytime Serials
All My Children
As the World Turns
General Hospital
The Young & The Restless (winner)

Children’s Episodic & Specials
Look Whose Not Talking (Flight 29 Down), D. J. MacHale (winner)
Nat is a Stand Up Guy (The Naked Brothers Band), Polly Draper

Children’s Script – Long Form or Special
R.L Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It, Billy Brown and Dan Angel
Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board, Ann Austen, Douglas Sloan, Max Enscoe & Annie deYoung (winner)

Documentary – Current Events
The Enemy Within (Frontline), Lowell Bergman & Oriana Zill De Granados
News War Part 1: Secrets Sources and Spin (Frontline), Raney Aronson-Rath, Lowell Bergman & Seth Bomse
News War Part 3: What's Happening to the News? (Frontline), Stephen Talbot & Lowell Bergman
Return of the Taliban (Frontline), Martin Smith (winner)
Security vs. Liberty: The Other War (America at a Crossroads), Edward Gray
Spying on the Home Front (Frontline), Hendrick Smith & Rick Young

Documentary – Other than Current Events
Alexander Hamilton (American Experience), Ronald Blumer
Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life (Independent Lens), Robert Levi and Robert Seidman (winner)
Forgotten Genius (Nova), Stephen Lyons & Llewellyn M. Smith
The War, Episode Four: Pride of Our Nation, Geoffrey C. Ward

Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

2008-02-10T11:14:00.000+11:00

Filming began this week in Gloucester on the 6th Harry Potter film – Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Stars were seen filming in the 11th century Gloucester Cathedral which has been used in two previous Harry Potter films. www.thisigloucestershire.co.uk reported that Alan Rickman, Daniel Radcliffe, Dame Maggie Smith, Rupert Grint and Tom Falcon were all seen.

Lorna Doone

2008-02-09T20:36:00.000+11:00

Lots of muskets, swords, treachery and villains. A visually opulent movie based on the original novel by R D Blackmore. Gorgeous scenery, realistic settings and a decent pace throughout, make this very easy to watch. Although rated an M in Australia, pre-teens will enjoy most of it (except the kissing!)

Please don't read the following if you want this movie to unfold and be a surprise!

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The story is based around a group of rebellious family of outlaws, the Doone’s, and a farming family the Ridd’s. The patriarch of the Ridd family is killed when a motley collection of Doones ride into a town. His son John, only a boy, witnesses it and is bent on revenge. His mother prevents this course of action but the family always harbours a passionate hate against the Doone’s.

Whilst still a boy, John slips in the river, is carried through the rapids, over a waterfall and found by a young girl in a secluded vale. They make quick friends, as children do, introducing each other only by first names and he teaches her how to catch fish with her hands. On hearing someone calling for her, she urges him to go and indicates a secret way out.

John grows to be a man and after his uncle is attacked by the Doone’s, John visits the glade again and sees Lorna catching fish as he taught her many years before. She doesn’t indicate her recognition immediately, but is obviously pleased to see him as a man as he is seeing her as a young woman. Their love blossoms until she tells him she is a Doone. He leaves but returns again and their commitment to each other grows.

In the meantime the Doone heir is determined to marry Lorna as marriage to her will restore the Doone’s hereditary lands – although how this will be achieved is not immediately revealed.

Eventually Lorna’s protector and head of the Doone clan dies and Lorna is destined to be married to Carver Doone. John comes to save her and takes her to his home, where she is grudgingly accepted by most of the family. Carver and a small band pursue Lorna to the Ridd farm and a skirmish proceeds, however Carver escapes unharmed.

Lorna lives with the Ridd’s and reveals a valuable necklace that was apparently her mother’s. Tom Faggus, a highwayman turned farmer and fiancé of John’s sister, Annie, is aware of its value and takes a drawing of it to London whereupon Lorna is identified as the kidnapped daughter of the Lorne family and indeed is now the Lady Lorne with wealth and title. She is taken to London as her guardian is the King, and John and Lorna promise to write faithfully to each other.

John’s letters are returned and he loses faith that Lorna maintains her love for him. A rebel contender for the throne, the Lord of Monmouth is roaming the land and searching for supporters and the Doone’s join his army. In a moment of hot-headedness Tom Faggus joins the army and leaves Annie at home pregnant and fearful for his life. She appeals to John who rides after the army with the intention of bringing Tom home. He is captured near the battlefield though and taken to London where he faces hanging.

Promising to rid the King of the Doone’s forever with some well trained men, John is temporarily relieved of his sentence and returns home (after briefly seeing Lorna and renewing their commitment to each other) and attacks and defeats the Doone’s soundly, however Carver escapes again.

John is rewarded for his service to the King and is reunited with Lorna, but Carver makes one last fateful appearance….

John Ridd is played by Richard Coyle and he plays a solid farmer with a deep love believably. Lorna is played by Amelia Warner (of Narnia fame), she is attractive and fits the part very well. Carver Doone is played with suitable nastiness by Aiden Gillen and his rather slimy father Counsellor is played by Anton Lesser. Peter Vaughan is Lord Ensor Doone, a baddie but with a glimmer of soul left. Martin Clunes plays Jeremy Stickle and manages to bring a touch of humour. The grim Lord Chief Justice Jeffries is played wonderfully by Michael Kitchen. Highwayman Tom Faggus is played in a suitably swaggering manner by Anthony Calf. A surprise casting is that of an Australian - Jesse Spencer, playing the son of Baron Whichehalse.

I’d watch it again :)

Persuasion (1995)

2008-02-08T20:11:00.001+11:00

This is a relatively faithful rendition of Jane Austen’s book although I found on first viewing that I really didn’t understand what was going on. I enjoyed it, but felt I would have enjoyed it more if I knew the story. So, I went off and read Persuasion again (my last read of it was well over 20 years ago so my memory had dimmed substantially on the finer points of the story!) and then rewatched this movie. I found it much better second time around – whether it was the second viewing, or because I had the details of the whole story so knew its structure and what nuances the actors were trying to make.

The story, if you haven’t read it – and I would recommend you do, it is only a slim volume and easily digested! – is thus: Anne Elliot, second daughter of widower Sir Elliot, is 28 and single (not good in the 19th century). She had a short but intense entanglement at the tender age of 19 to a naval man, Frederick Wentworth, with a hoped for marriage in the offing, however was particularly persuaded by her friend, Lady Russell, that the match wasn’t suitable. She has thus had a “disappointment” which she has never really fully recovered from.

Her eldest sister, Elizabeth has always been the favourite of their father, but is still not married. Her younger sister, Mary is married to Charles Musgrove from a wealthy country family, and she lives in nearby Uppercross. Sir Elliot is vain and has not been frugal with his family’s wealth since his wife’s death and now finds himself in a somewhat restricted state with regard to money.

The recent war is over and many naval men have returned to shore. One Admiral Croft rents the Elliot home and Anne is somewhat mortified to recall that Mrs Croft is the sister of her past love, Frederick Wentworth. Frederick in the intervening 8 ½ years is now a Captain of some fortune.

Circumstances have come together for Anne and Frederick to meet again although there are obstacles, such as younger women, an accident and amorous attentions. When the action moves to Bath things start to happen rapidly and as you expect with an Austen story a reunion is eventually arrived at in true romantic fashion.

Ciaran Hinds is the masculine Frederick Wentworth. Amanda Roots is Anne but I found she continually looked either worried or startled for the first half of the movie. Some animation appeared in her character in the last half, although she still played the character in a very timid fashion and her face was difficult to read as far as what emotion she is supposed to be feeling. Sophie Thompson as Mary (Anne’s sister) played it delightfully, obviously enjoying the almost obnoxious role!

Other players include: Susan Fleetwood as Lady Russell; Corin Redgrave as Sir Elliot, Fiona Shaw as Mrs Croft, John Woodvine as Admiral Croft, Phoebe Nicholls as Elizabeth Elliot, Samuel West at Mr. Elliot, Simon Beale as Charles Musgrove, Victoria Hamilton as Henrietta Musgrove, Emma Roberts as Louisa Musgrove and Richard McCabe as Capt. Benwick.

Box Office - Top Dozen Movies

2008-02-07T22:28:00.000+11:00

David Dale in The Sydney Morning Herald recently listed the top grossing movies of all time in Australia, the US and the rest of the world (excluding US).

Australia:
1. Titanic
2. Shrek 2
3. Return of the King
4. Crocodile Dundee
5. Fellowship of the Ring
6. Two Towers
7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
8. Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace
9. Pirates of the Caribbean 2
10. Finding Nemo
11. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
12. Babe

US:
1. Titanic
2. The original Star Wars
3. Shrek 2
4. ET
5. Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace
6. Pirates of the Caribbean 2
7. Spiderman
8. Star Wars 3: Revenge of the Sith
9. Return of the King
10. Spiderman 2
11. Passion of the Christ
12. Jurassic Park

World (excluding US):
1. Titanic
2. Return of the King
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
4. Pirates of the Caribbean 3
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix
6. Pirates of the Caribbean 2
7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
8. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
9. The Two Towers
10. Jurassic Park
11. Spiderman 3
12. Fellowship of the Ring

My conclusions: We all like our escapism and the fantasy realm. The US doesn't agree with the rest of the world's addiction to Harry Potter and they only came to the party on the Lord of the Rings with the final instalment.

I have seen all the top 12 movies in Australia, but haven't seen Passion of the Christ, Spiderman 3 or Pirates of the Caribbean 3.... but there's still plenty of time. No doubt these favourites will be around for a long time yet! How has your viewing compared?

2008 Producers Guild Awards

2008-02-05T23:30:00.001+11:00

Pic: Ali Larter in hair-swinging mode at the Producers Guild Awards.

Wooopsie. This one passed without me realising it. Announced on 2 February:

The Danny Thomas Producer of the Year Award in Episodic Television - Comedy
30 Rock (winner)
The Office
Entourage
Ugly Betty
Extras

The Norman Felton Producer of the Year Award in Episodic Television - Drama THE Sopranos (winner)
Heroes
Lost
House
Grey's Anatomy
Dexter

The Producer of the Year Award in Non Fiction Television
Planet Earth (winner)
60 Minutes
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Deadliest Catch

The Producer of the Year Award in Live Entertainment/Competition Television
The Colbert Report (winner)
The Amazing Race
Project Runway
American Idol
Real Time with Bill Maher

The Darryl F Zanuck Producer of the Year Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men (winner)
There Will Be Blood

The Producer of the Year Award in Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures
Bee Movie
Ratatouille (winner)
The Simpsons Movie

The Producer of the Year Award in Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures
Body Of War
Hear And Now
Pete Seeger: The Power Of Song
Sicko (winner)
White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction Of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

The David L Wolper Producer of the Year Award in Long-Form Television
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee (winner)
The Bronx Is Burning
High School Musical 2
Jane Eyre
The Starter Wife

2008 PGA honorary awards and recipients:

Milestone Award
Alan Horn

David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures
Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall

Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television
Dick Wolf

Visionary Award
Simon Fuller

Vanguard Award
YouTube founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen

The Stanley Kramer Award
The Great Debaters

Miss Marple – Nemesis 2007

2008-02-05T23:06:00.000+11:00

A little light hearted TV watching in my home with the return of Miss Marple to ABC TV.

As usual, there seems to be a core of actors that repeatedly appear in British TV/film (and I KNOW there are more than these few in existence)! This show is no exception.

Miss Marple (Geraldine McEwan) is sent on a mystery bus tour on the dying wish of a good friend, to right an injustice and perhaps find the perpetrator of a crime. She is accompanied by her writer-nephew Raymond, (Richard E Grant) and finds that all the other people on the bus are connected in some tenuous way, which is slowly revealed to us. Naturally there are a couple of murders on the journey to add to the suspense and allow identification of the guilty party.

It wasn’t hard to work out roughly who had done what, but it was done so well that it was enjoyable and I still required the deductive capacities of Miss Marple for final identification of the murderer.

Well acted, as expected. Richard E. Grant got to have a number of funny moments in a very British way, which I really enjoyed. Geraldine McEwan fitted the role of Miss Marple beautifully. Ruth Wilson (recently of Jane Eyre fame) played a small part, that of Georgina the tour guide/bus driver. Once I got over thinking of her only in 19th century garb and as a governess, I was able to enjoy it. She managed to put her own stamp on the part and I hope to see her in more TV and films in the future. Lee Ingleby was DC Colin Hards and had some great interaction, particularly with Richard E. Grant, as a hopeful writer.

Also starring Anne Reid, Laura Kelly, Dan Stephens, Graeme Garden, Johnny Briggs, George Cole, Ronni Ancona, Adrian Rawlings, Emily Woof, Will Mellor, Amanda Burton.

Hercules

2008-02-04T20:01:00.000+11:00

I bought this for my son (age 10) before I realized it was had a rating of MA15+ and so thought I needed to watch it before he did and see if was suitable for his viewing. (Its not!)

The story is of course based on Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, a priestess of Hera. It starts with a bit of a warm up into the ‘time of the gods’ before seeing how Alcemene became pregnant with twins – one of which was Hercules. Alcemene hated Zeus and so hates his probable offspring, Hercules, therefore he is never shown any love or affection by her, but rather by his ‘father’ Amphitryon.

He leaves the his home in semi-exile after he thought he had killed a poet, Linus, and after many years becomes stronger - though little wiser. He has an interlude with Megara, who he has had a crush on for many years and she delivers triplet boys. After a daring fight with a monster and saving the king, he is allowed to marry Megara which he does. Megara, however is also a priestess of Hera and under Alcmene’s guidance drugs Hercules who in his drugged stupor believes he is being attacked by demons and kills his sons.

Although he tries to kill himself, Zeus does not allow it and instead Hercules serves Alcemene and her new husband, by completing six tasks set by them. Naturally they are not small tasks, but of course he succeeds and gains much wisdom in their completion. In the meantime he is surprised but pleased to learn that his friend, the nymph Deianeira, loves him and they already have a son.

Basically there is much fighting, quite a bit of maiming and killing and some broad hints in the “mature themes” department.

Quite a few of the characters are quite disagreeable eg. Alcmene (Elizabeth Perkins), King Eurystheus (Kristian Schmid) and Iphicles (Luke Ford), but they are balanced by the nicer ones eg. Linus (Sean Astin), Deianeira (Leelee Sobieski) and Amphitryon (Timothy Dalton). Balance is a theme running through this movie – male/female Zeus/Hera good/bad, belief/reality and so on.

Overall, the acting is pretty average. Timothy Dalton gives quite a good performance and is believable (in as much as you can believe a myth!). The adult Hercules (Paul Telfer) is suitably built for the part and whilst not brilliant, carries off his part well enough. By the end he seems to have embraced his part and is showing more feeling. Elizabeth Perkins seems to enjoy her role and Sean Astin plays his part agreeably. Leelee Sobieski was a little stitled, but seeing as she was a nymph and covered in bronze makeup, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt! I think a number of the actors may have been limited by the script/direction as I believe they are capable of more.

It would probably be accurate to say that I won’t watch it again – it’s mindless watching for those days when you’re unwell and lying on the couch, brain in a fog and unable to think.

100 books times two

2008-02-03T22:52:00.000+11:00

I went into my local library last week to see if I could borrow Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. Would you believe there wasn’t ONE Bronte book on the shelf? Not even Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre! Now either that means they are all out being read or they just aren’t very popular so not kept. I enquired at the desk and they happily agreed to get Tenant in from another library, so it, at least, wasn’t “out”. I also looked in the local bookshop a few weeks ago and the only Bronte I could find there was Jane Eyre (which I already have). I would have thought all Bronte were “classics” and always on hand.

This led me to wonder, what exactly are people reading? After coming across the ‘100 books that all children should read’ list recently I thought there are bound to be some lists of books that people think are ‘the best’. After searching these lists and discarding those with limitations (eg. written in the 20th century or written by authors of the same nationality, etc.), I came across two lists of 100 books that were 4 years apart. They are from the same country (UK) and yet they vary quite a bit. I surmise that people’s views are to some extent affected by what they are currently reading (recent releases) and even watching (films based on the books). Are many of these your favourites?

BBC 2003 list of Top 100 books:

1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkein
2. Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pulman
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty Four, George Orwell
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
19. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone, JK Rowling
23. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, JK Rowling
24. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, JK Rowling
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkein
26. Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
33. The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen
41. Anne of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
44. The Count of Monte Chriso, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far from the Maddening Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher
51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
53. The Stand, Stephen King
54. Anna Kerenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
61. Noughts and Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden
63. A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCullough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchet
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord of the Flies, William Golding
71. Perfume, Patrick Suskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones’s Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman in White, Wilkie Collins
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jaqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith
83. Holes, Louis Sachar
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. COld Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Fiest
90. On the Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
92. The Clan of the Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
98. Girls in Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
100. Midnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie

The Daily Telegraph (UK) 2007 list of 100 books you can’t live without:

1. Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen
2. Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkein
3. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series, JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
6. The Bible
7. Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four, George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
11. Little Women, Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22, Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare
15. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
16. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkein
17. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch, George Eliot
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Graeme
31. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis
34. Emma, Jane Austen
35. Persuasion, Jane Austen
36. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
37. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
38. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis De Bernieres
39. Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
41. Animal Farm, Goerge Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney, John Irving
45. The Woman in White, Wilkie Collins
46. Ann of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
47. Far from the Maddening Crowd, Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies, William Golding
50. Atonement, Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi, Yann Martel
52. Dune, Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time, Mark Haddon
60. Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
62. Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
66. On the Road, Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones’s Diary, Helen Fielding
69. Midgnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick, Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens
72. Dracula, Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes from a Small Island, Bill Bryson
75. Ulysses, James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal, Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair, William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession, A S Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple, Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary, Gustave Flabert
86. A Fine Balance, Rohinton Mistry
87. Charlotte’s Web, EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven, Mitch Alborn
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection, Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness , Joseph Conrad
92. The Little Prince, Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory, Iain Banks
94. Watership Down, Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas
98. Hamlet, William Shakespeare
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables, Victor Hugo.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story

2008-02-01T17:09:00.001+11:00

A really beautiful rendition of Cinderella that is suitable for all ages (even though it is rated PG).

The movie starts with a royal female meeting the Brothers Grimm and relaying the true story of Cinderella.

Cinderella’s real name was Danielle de Barbarac (played by the wonderful Drew Barrymore) who was lovingly raised by her father, Auguste (Jeroen Krabbe). Her father marries the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent (Angelica Houston) who arrives with her two daughters Marguerite (Megan Dodds) and Jacqueline (Melanie Lynskey). Danielle is excited at the prospect of a new mother and sisters but her luck changes when her father dies shortly after.

Grown up Danielle, who is trying to maintain her father’s estate in the best way she can, is treated as a servant by her stepmother and stepsisters (although one sister, Jacqueline feels more affinity for Danielle than her mother and sister do). Prince Henry of France (Dougray Scott), in the meantime is determined not to marry “Spain” for an alliance, and keeps trying to escape the palace and his duty. During one of his escapes he is chased by Danielle for stealing her father’s horse, but she hides her face and he doesn’t see her.

Shortly after she meets the Prince again whilst in the guise of a courtier and attracted by her passion for what is right, the romance begins. Of course, obstacles are thrown in Danielle’s path, including her real identity and status, her stepsister and stepmother’s aspirations and the desire of a local wealthy landowner. The servants of course are all on Danielle’s side.

Danielle has a heart of gold, is intelligent and beautiful so how can the Crown Prince possibly resist? A nice touch is the addition of Leonardo DaVinci (Patrick Godfrey) to the story who plays a pivotal part in ultimately uniting the two lovers.

A strong supportive cast including Timothy West (the King) and Judy Parfitt (the Queen) help make this a nice little film that you can easily watch with the children.

Possession

2008-01-31T22:37:00.000+11:00

A soft and romantic film about a great love between two poets in the mid 1800s, Christobel LaMotte (Jennifer Ehle) and Randolph Ash (Jeremy Northam), which is rediscovered through a chance find of some unsent correspondence by modern day researcher, Roland Mitchell (Aaron Eckhart). In his search for more information he visits Dr. Maud Bailey (Gwyneth Paltrow) who is distantly related to Christobel. She gets as excited by the finds they make as he does, and their relationship mirrors that of Christobel and Ash as they discover more of the poets’ story.

To add a little anxiety into the mix there are complications in both centuries – in Christobel’s with her companion Blanche (Lena Headey) and in Maud’s with past partner and fellow teacher Fergus (Toby Stephens).

Jennifer Ehle plays a haunting Christobel, Jeremy Northam an equally besotted Ash and they have a suitable on-screen chemistry. Aaron Eckhart is keen and Gwyneth is cool (even when excited) and although well acted, the screen hardly sizzles. Lena Headey was convincing as Blanche and Toby Stephens played a quite disagreeable character very well!

The story is sweet and touching and will satisfy those with romantic leanings – although don’t expect to heave lots of longing sighs, just expect a warm feeling.

Die Another Day

2008-01-29T22:05:00.000+11:00

My second Bond film in a couple of weeks! Prepare to check reality at the door as you go on a trip into Bond-world with amazing stunts and special effects.

I have to admit that I happier with a Bond in the traditional mould (Pierce Brosnan vs. Daniel Craig) but I can be a bit of a traditionalist too. So in the tradition of Bond movies, this one takes you on a ‘fantastic’ journey for the 20th Bond film.

The movie begins in Korea where Bond attempts to kill nasty Colonel Moon and a terrorist named Zao, who are trading in banned diamonds and weapons. He manages to destroy their base and quite a few of the weapons but ends up being caught, imprisoned and tortured. Not a nice look for Bond and one of the few touches of realism hits the screen.

After an extended stay in prison and sporting a beard and long hair he is released and becomes a rogue agent as MI6 think he has deceived them. He continues his search for Zao in Cuba where he meets Jinx (Halle Berry) and then the trail leads him to London and the baddie, diamond mogul Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens) with his beautiful assistant, Miranda Frost (Rosamund Pike).

An interlude of swordplay and then it’s on to Iceland with some pretty amazing scenes in and around an ice palace. Finally some scenes on an Antanov, which of course gets destroyed (don’t they always!?). Of course, Bond wins the day, and the girl.

Pierce plays Bond in his usual cool way and is suave, sophisticated, capable and destructive, with an eye for the girls. Halle Berry is really very good as Jinx – she has some good one-liners and brings a touch of humour to the role along with her beauty. Toby Stephens plays Gustav Graves very well – he is an actor that brings much depth to the roles he plays and this is no exception. Of course being a ‘baddie’ is somewhat limiting, but he plays it to the hilt. Rosamund Pike is coolly beautiful as Ms. Frost and lets no emotion escape, as the part decrees. Judi Dench is of course M and her part seems smaller than some previous Bond movies, but what she is in is played true to form. John Cleese plays Q and brings a lighthearted touch to his scenes.

I wasn’t that keen on the Die Another Day song, which is by Madonna, but its quite a techno song, so I guess that’s why. Scenes in the movie – well the CGI is a bit over the top in a couple of scenes (eg. sea/wave with icebergs) but trying to do those scenes in reality would be impossible, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt on that score. On the other hand there is a return to some of the big-budget look scenes (eg. the ice palace) and some nods to previous Bond films.

Overall, a good movie to watch if you like lots of action and a slip away from reality for a couple of hours.

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2008

2008-01-28T15:20:00.000+11:00

The Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced today:

Oustanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
No Country for Old Men (winner)
3:10 to Yuma
American Gangster
Hairspray
Into the Wild

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Daniel Day Lewis in There will be Blood (winner)
George Clooney in Michael Clayton
Ryan Gosling in Lars and the Real Girl
Emile Hirsch in Into the Wild
Viggo Mortensen in Eastern Promises

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Julie Christie in Away from Her (winner)
Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth: the Golden Age
Marion Cotillard in La Mome
Angelina Jolie in A Mighty Heart
Ellen Page in Juno

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men (winner)
Casey Affleck in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Hal Holbrook in Into the Wild
Tommy Lee Jones in No Country for Old Men
Tim Wilkinson in Michael Clayton

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Ruby Dee in American Gangster (winner)
Cate Blanchett in I'm Not There
Catherine Keener in Into the Wild
Amy Ryan in Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
The Office (winner)
Desperate Housewives
Entourage
30 Rock
Ugly Betty

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
The Sopranos (winner)
Boston Legal
The Closer
Grey's Anatomy
Mad Men

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock (winner)
Steve Carell in The Office
Ricky Gervais in Extras
Jeremy Piven in Entourage
Tony Shalhoub in Monk

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey in 30 Rock (winner)
Christina Applegate in Samantha Who
America Ferrera in Ugly Betty
Mary-Louise Parker in Weeds
Vanessa Williams in Ugly Betty

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
James Gandolfini in The Sopranos (winner)
Michael C Hall in Dexter
Jon Hamm in Mad Men
Hugh Laurie in House MD
James Spader in Boston Legal

Oustanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Edie Falco in The Sopranos (winner)
Glenn Close in Damages
Sally Field in Brothers & Sisters
Holly Hunter in Saving Grace
Kyra Sedgewick in The Closer

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Kevin Kline in As You Like It (winner)
Michael Keaton in The Company
Oliver Platt in The Bronx is Burning
Sam Shepard in Ruffian
John Turturro in The Bronx is Burning

Oustanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Queen Latifah in Life Support (winner)
Ellen Burstyn in Oprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom's For One More Day
Debra Messing in The Starter Wife
Anna Paquin in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Vanessa Redgrave in The Fever
Gena Rowlands in What if God were the Sun?

Directors Guild of America Awards 2008

2008-01-27T23:04:00.000+11:00

The Directors Guild of America announced the winners of its awards today:

For Outstanding Directional Achievement in:

Feature Film
No Country for Old Men, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Other Nominees:
Into the Wild, Sean Penn
Michael Clayton, Tony Gilroy
Le Scaphandre et le Papillion, Julian Schnabel
There Will Be Blood, Paul Thomas Anderson

Movies for Television/Miniseries
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Yves SimoneauOther Nominees:
The Bronx is Burning, Jeremiah S. Chechik
The Company, Mikael Salomon
Oprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom’s For One More Day, Lloyd Kramer
The Starter Wife, Jon Avnet

Dramatic Series
Mad Men, Alan TaylorOther Nominees:
Lost ‘Through the Looking Glass’, Jack Bender
Lost ‘The Brig’, Eric Laneuville
The Sopranos ‘Made in America’, David Chase
The Sopranos ‘Soprano’s Home Movies’, Timothy Van Patten

Comedy Series
Pushing Daisies, Barry Sonnenfeld
Other Nominees:
30 Rock ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, Michael Engler
30 Rock ‘Somebody to Love’, Beth McCarthy-Miller
Desperate Housewives, David Grossman
Entourage, David Nutter

Musical Variety
61st Annual Tony Awards, Glenn P Weiss
Other Nominees:
The Colbert Report, Jim Hoskinson
The Daily Show, Chuck O’Neil
Late Show with David Letterman, Jerry Foley
79th Annual Academy Awards, Louis J Horvitz

Reality Programs
The Amazing Race, Bertram van Munster

Daytime Series
One Life to Live, Larry Carpenter

Documentary
Ghosts of Cite Soleil, Asger Leth

Commercials
Production Company MJZ UK, Nicolai Fuglsig

Children’s Programs
Jump In, Paul Hoen

Gosford Park

2008-01-27T16:56:00.000+11:00

I saw this for a second time last night and enjoyed it just as much as the first viewing. A wonderful cast including Maggie Smith, Kristen Scott Thomas, Helen Mirren, Michael Gambon, Jeremy Northam, Emily Watson and Richard E Grant bring this comedy-drama to life.

The setting is 1932 at a house party held by Sir William (Michael Gambon). The attendees of the house party are relatives or hangers-on mostly seeking money (in the form of allowances/jobs/deals etc). Of course they bring their valets/maids with them so the population of the house swells accordingly. An exception to the above is Ivor Novello (Jeremy Northam) who makes movies and has brought along an American, Mr Weissman (Bob Balaban), who is doing research for his next Charlie Chan movie. His valet (Ryan Phillipe) is actually an actor in disguise, doing research “below stairs”.

The stories of the house guests and those of their servants slowly reveals itself, particularly through Countess Trentham’s (Maggie Smith) maid, Mary (Kelly McDonald), who is new to being a lady’s maid and so everything she sees and hears is quite a surprise. Her naïvity is a wonderful foil for all the goings-on both above and below. Eventually there is a murder within the house and the majority of the guests and servants have a secret to hide – but did they have enough cause to murder someone?

Maggie Smith gives a wonderful performance as the Countess and although her part is not huge, she lights up the screen when given the opportunity. Helen Mirren is also wonderful as the very strict ‘perfect servant’ Mrs Wilson, the housekeeper. Kristen Scott Thomas plays the part of Sir William’s wife and is very easy to watch. Richard E Grant plays a snooty servant very well and Emily Watson’s maid Elsie is suitably subservient in public yet strongwilled and tired of the games in private. Kelly McDonald plays the naïve lady’s maid beautifully and has good interaction with her mistress, the Countess.

Not a fast paced movie by any stretch, but very watchable if you have the time and peace to enjoy it.

Heath Ledger

2008-01-26T15:46:00.001+11:00

I was saddened and rather shocked to hear this week of the death of Australian actor, Heath Ledger in New York.

A talented actor he was only 28 yet already had a large number of films under his belt. I haven't seen all of them but the ones I have seen I have enjoyed and his acting talent was obvious. He grew up in Perth, Western Australia in a normal household and attended the well respected Guildford Grammar school. He seemed kind and down to earth and was actually named after Heathcliff in Bronte's Wuthering Heights.

I didn't always agree with his film choices - but must remember they were only roles he was playing!

Here is a list of his films/tv:
Clowning Around - 1992 - lots of Australians in the cast (eg. Noni Hazelhurst, Ernie Dingo, Rebecca Smart) with the odd American thrown in (eg. Van Johnson). Filmed in Paris.
Ship to Shore - 1993 - an Australian comedy series for children.
Sweat - 1996 - an Australian drama series about a school of children with athletic pursuits. Aimed at children/teens and filmed in Australia.
Blackrock - 1997 - Drama aimed at teens, filmed in Australia. Nominated for a number of AFI awards, Mystfest and Film Critics Circle of Australia awards. Won an award for best feature film - adaptation by the Australian Writers Guild.
Paws - 1997 - adventure film aimed at family viewing. The dog of the film has the voice of Billy Connolly. Filmed in Australia.
Roar - 1997- an Adventure/Fantasy series filmed in Australia. Nominated for an emmy and a handful of other awards, some wins.
Home & Away - 1998 - Australian drama series.
10 Things I Hate About You - 1999 - A comedy/romance based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. This was the first major role for Heath that I can recall. He starred alongside Julia Stiles. Received many nominations and Julia Stiles won two awards from this film.
Two Hands - 1999 - A drama/crime with a few light moments, this Australian film starred Heath and well known Australian laconic actor, Bryan Brown. Nominated and won a decent amount of awards.
The Patriot - 2000 - Action/drama film where Heath played the son of Mel Gibson's character in this movie based on the American Revolution. Nominated for 3 Oscars. Heath won Favourite Male Newcomer by Blockbuster Entertainment Awards for this role.
A Knights Tale - 2001 - one of my favourite Heath films. An adventure/action/comedy/romance movie filmed in the Czech Republic where a peasant squire becomes a knight. Lots of nominations and a few wins for this easy to watch movie.
Monster's Ball - 2001 - A drama filmed in the US which starred Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry. This film won an Oscar and had many other wins and nominations.
Four Feathers - 2002 - another good film, although I don't know how popular it was. An adventure/drama filmed in England that also starred Kate Hudson.
Ned Kelly - 2003 - a gritty Australian film about the outlaw of the same name. Heath brought realism without the audience losing thier love of this folk hero. Also starring Orlando Bloom, Naomi Watts and Geoffrey Rush amongst the many. Lots of nominations including Best Actor for Heath from the AFI Awards and Films Critics Circle of Australia.
The Order - 2003 - I haven't seen this US/German action movie that was filmed in Italy.
Lords of Dogtown - 2005 - Filmed in the USA this action/drama brought Heath an Actor of the Year award and nomination.
The Brother's Grimm - 2005 - Another film I really enjoyed where Heath starred alongside Matt Damon. An adventure/fantasy filmed in the Czech Republic and directed by Terry Gilliam.
Brokeback Mountain - 2006 - I didn't actually like the 'idea' of this movie so have never watched it, although it won 3 oscars amongst an absolute landslide of nominations and wins. Heath was nominated for an Oscar for Best Peformance by an Actor in a Leading Role. The AFI awarded him best actor for an international film. He was also nominated for a BAFTA and a Critics Choice Awards.
Casanova - 2005 - An adventure/comedy with Heath in the lead role and fellow actors included Jeremy Irons and Sienna Miller. Filmed in Italy, the film had a couple of wins/nominations.
Candy - 2006 - I saw too many reviews and shorts of this film to want to watch, but it won a number of awards and Heath was nominated for best actor by AFI, Film Critics Cirle and IF.
I'm Not There - 2007 - This biography of Bob Dylan has won an Independent Spirit Award and is nominated for many other awards including an Oscar.

A film is still in production:
The Dark Knight - a batman movie in post-production where Heath plays the Joker.

One other film has started filming, called the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus it is a fantasy directed by Terry Gilliam (he directed The Brothers Grimm). It is currently on hold while they decide if they need to recast Heath's part.

Condolences must go to his family, ex-partner Michelle and daughter Matilda.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

2008-01-26T12:15:00.000+11:00

I was sent this novel some months ago by my sister in law who thought I would enjoy it. As usual it languished on my bookshelf until we went away for a few days and I thought I should take a book with me to read, should I get the time. Luckily I DID get the time as it was a page turner from the very start!

The story is based on a rather lonely woman (Margaret Lea) who grew up around books and took an interest in writing biographies of deceased writers, who is selected by a very popular author (Vida Winter) to write her biography before she dies. The story of Vida’s life is revealed piece by piece and you share Margaret’s breathless curiosity. But the story still has surprises even at its conclusion.

There are frequent references to classic, favourite books (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Woman in White), a Brontesque sense of drama as well as a keen observation of twins and their language. (From a personal point of view, the author has written information on twin language that is virtually unobtainable from professional sources, but is indeed true as I have found from being the mother of twins!)

The story is heavily female oriented as the male figures only play minor roles, and there are strong relationship themes. The writing is rich and inviting and for anyone who loves books and reading, they will associate with part of it and will find it quite riveting!

Amazingly, this is the first novel of author Diane Setterfield – I look forward to the other treasures she will write if this story is any indication of her ability.

A Good Year

2008-01-22T07:22:00.000+11:00

I was looking forward to this movie as it has a favourite actor of mine, Russell Crowe, in the leading role, however I knew very little about it.

Russell plays Maximillian, a bond trader who is ruthless, vicious, a workaholic and at his core, and lonely - although he doesn’t realize it yet. He spent idyllic summers of his childhood in France at his Uncle Henry’s ‘farmhouse’ which in reality is a chateau with vineyards. This uncle (Albert Finney) taught Max many of the important lessons in life although, typical of a child, he never realized this.

In the midst of his frantic life he hears of Henry’s passing and finds that the chateau has been left to him as Henry’s nearest living relative and this necessitates a visit to France to visit the notare and see the house, with a view to selling it as quickly as possible.

He is reacquainted with Messr. Duflot (Didier Bourdon) who has been the resident vigneron for the last 20 years and memories soon flood back of those pleasant summer days. After an unforeseen minor ‘accident’ occurs, Max fails to make it back to London for an important meeting and is suspended for a week. Under his enforced stay in France, he starts to fall under the spell of the chateau and starts to show signs of the man that Henry hoped he would become.

A love interest is introduced in the form of Fanny Chenal (Marion Cotillard), a beautiful and sultry brunette. A complication is also introduced in the form of Christie (played by another Australian, Abbie Cornish), a possibly illegitimate American daughter of Henry’s, who also knows a thing or two about winemaking.

I was surprised that Crowe would be cast as an Englishman, as even though he is trying to speak with an English accent, as an Australian, I can’t but help hear his natural accent come through a little. Then I saw it was directed by Ridley Scott, who directed Crowe in his award winning role in Gladiator, so perhaps some connection had led to the casting. Nevertheless, Crowe does a great job as a nasty son of a b…. but really comes into the fore in the gentler moments. Albert Finney is a consummate actor and plays his part brilliantly. Didier Bourdon is entertaining and believable and the actresses play their parts true as well.

There are some very amusing moments throughout the movie, all in all resulting in a gentle comedy/romance which leaves you smiling and grateful that even the worst sods can be redeemed.

Golden Globes 2008

2008-01-21T14:59:00.000+11:00

As any entertainment guide will tell you the Oscars are close and the countdown is on. This past week the Golden Globes picked its winners, although in respect to the current writer’s strike there was no “show” to go with the awards. Well, it was certainly quick with the press conference over in about half an hour!

Here is a list of the categories, nominees and winners. I have yet to see most of these so I can’t comment on the merits of those that won vs. those that were nominated (but will say I was disappointed to see that Ruth Wilson didn't win for Jane Eyre as I thought she was brilliant!).

Best Motion Picture, Drama:
Atonement (winner)
American Gangster
Eastern Promises
The Great Debaters
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
There will be Blood

Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy
Sweeney Todd: The Demon of Fleet Street (winner)
Across the Universe
Charlie Wilson’s War
Hairspray
Juno

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Daniel Day-Lewis for There Will Be Blood (winner0
George Clooney for Michael Clayton
James McAvoy for Atonement
Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises
Denzel Washington for American Gangster

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Julie Christie for Away from Her (winner)
Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth: the Golden Age
Jodie Foster for the Brave One
Angelina Jolie for A Mighty Heart
Keira Knightley for Atonement

Best Peformance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Johnny Depp for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (winner)
Ryan Gosling for Lars and the Real Girl
Tom Hanks for Charlie Wilson’s War
Philip Seymour Hoffman for The Savages
John C Reilly for Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Marion Cotillard for Mome, La (winner)
Amy Adams for Enchanted
Nikki Blonsky for Hairspray
Helena Bonham Carter for Sweeney Todd: The Demon of Fleet Street
Ellen Page for Juno

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men (winner)
Casey Affleck for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Philip Seymour Hoffman for Charlie Wilson’s War
John Travolta for Hairspray
Tom Wilkinson for Michael Clayton

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Cate Blanchett for I’m Not There (winner)
Julia Roberts for Charlie Wilson’s War
Saoirse Ronan for Atonement
Amy Ryan for Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton for Michael Clayton

Best Director – Motion Picture
Julian Schnabel for Le Scaphandre et le Papillion (winner)
Tim Burton for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen for No Country for Old Men
Ridley Scott for American Gangster
Joe Wright for Atonement

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
No Country for Old Men , Joel Coen & Ethan Coen(winner)
Atonement, Christopher Hampton
Charlie Wilson’s War, Aaron Sorkin
Le Scaphandre et le papillon, Ronald Harwood
Juno, Diablo Cody

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
Into the Wild “Guaranteed” (winner)
Enchanted “That’s How You Know”
Grace is Gone “Grace is Gone”
Love in the Time of Cholera “Despedida”
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story “Walk Hard”

Best Original Score – Motion Picture
Atonement: Dario Marianelli (winner)
Eastern Promises : Howard Shore
Grace is Gone: Clint Eastwood
Into the Wild: Michael Brook, Kaki King, Eddie Vedder
The Kite Runner: Alberto Inglesias

Best Animated Film
Ratatouille (winner)
Bee Movie
The Simpsons Movie
Best Foreign Language Film
Le Scaphandre et le papillon (winner)
4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile
The Kite Runner
Se, jie
Persepolis

Best Television Series – Drama
Mad Men (winner)
Big Love
Damages
Grey’s Anatomy
House M.D.
The Tudors

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Extras (winner)
Californication
Entourage
Pushing Daisies
30 Rock

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for Television
Longford (winner)
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
The Company
Five Days
The State Within

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for Television
Jim Broadbent for Longford (winner)
Adam Beach for Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Ernest Borgnine for a Grandpa for Christmas
Jason Isaacs for The State Within
James Nesbitt for Jekyll

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
Queen Latifah for Life Support (winner)
Bryce Dallas Howard for As You Like It
Debra Messing for The Starter Wife
Sissy Spacek for Pictures of Hollis Woods
Ruth Wilson for Jane Eyre

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
David Duchovny for Californication
Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock
Steve Carell for The Office
Ricky Gervais for Extras
Lee Pace for Pushing Daisies

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Tina Fey for 30 Rock
Christina Applegate for Samantha Who?
America Ferrera for Ugly Betty
Anna Frield for Pushing Daisies
Mary-Louise Parker for Weeds

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama
John Hamm for Mad Men (winner)
Michael C Hall for Dexter
Hugh Laurie for House M.D.
Bill Paxton for Big Love
Jonathon Rhys Meyers for The Tudors

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama
Glenn Close for Damages (winner)
Patricia Arquette for Medium
Minnie Driver for The Riches
Edie Falco for The Sopranos
Sally Field for Brothers & Sisters
Holly Hunter for Saving Grace
Kyra Sedgwick for The Closer

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jeremy Piven for Entourage (winner)
Ted Danson for Damages
Kevin Dillon for Entourage
Andy Serkis for Longford
William Shatner for Boston Legal
Donald Sutherland for Dirty Sexy Money

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Samantha Morton for Longford (winner)
Rose Byrne for Damages
Katherine Heigl for Grey’s Anatomy
Rachel Griffiths for Brothers & Sisters
Anna Paquin for Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Jaime Pressly for My Name is Earl

Coming up:
Directors Guild of America – winners announced January 26
The Screen Actors Guild Awards – winners will be announced on January 27
Producers Guild of America – winners announced February 2
Writers Guild of America – winners announced February 9
BAFTAs – winners announced February 10
Independent Spirit Awards – winners announced February 23

100 books every child should read

2008-01-20T09:44:00.000+11:00

I stumbled upon this wonderful recommendation in the Daily Telegraph of 100 books every child should read:

Younger Children:
The Twits, Roald Dahl
Burglar Bill, Janet & Allan Ahlberg
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Judith Kerr
Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak
The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, Beatrix Potter
Yertle the Turtle, Dr. Seuss
Fungus the Bogeyman, Raymond Briggs
The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None Of His Business, Werner Holzwarth & Wolf Erlbruch
Room on the Broom, Julia Donaldson
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle
The Cat in the Hat, Dr Seuss
Charlotte’s Web, EB White
The Story of Babar, Jean de Brunhoff
Winnie-the-Pooh, AA Milne,

Middle Years:
Stig of the Dump, Clive King
Ballet Shoes, Noel Streatfield
Howl’s Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones
Just So Stories, Rudyard Kipling
The Borrowers, Mary Norton
Struwwelpeter, Heinrich Hoffman
The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
Danny, the Champion of the World, Roald Dahl
George’s Marvellous Medicine, Roald Dahl
Underwater Adventure, Williard Price
Tintin in Tibet, Herge
The Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
Erik the Viking, Terry Jones
When the Wind Blows, Raymond Briggs
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, TS Eliot
The Iron Man, Ted Hughes
The Owl and the Pussycat, Edward Lear
The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Graeme
The Worst Witch Collection, Jill Murphy
Peter Pan, JM Barrie
Mr Majeika, Humphrey Carpenter
The Water Babies, Charles Kingsley
A Little Princess, Frances Hodgson Burnett
I’m the King of the Castle, Susan Hill
The Wave, Morton Rhue
Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
Bambert’s Book of Missing Stories, Reinhardt Jung
The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, Philip Pullman
Tom’s Midnight Garden, Phillippa Pearce
The Phantom Tollbooth, Norton Juster
The Silver Sword, Ian Serrallier
Cue for Treason, Geoffrey Trease
The Sword in the Stone, TH White
A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursulla K LeGuin
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, JK Rowling
The Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis
His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
The BFG, Roald Dahl
Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome
Clarice Bean, Don’t Look Now, Lauren Child
The Railway Children, E Nesbit
The Selfish Giant, Oscar Wilde
Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
Just William, Richmal Crompton
Jennings Goes to School, Anthony Buckeridge
Comet in Moominland, Tove Jansson
The Bad Beginning, Lemony Snicket

Early Teens:
Call of the Wild, Jack London
Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll
The Outsiders, SE Hinton
I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Joan Aiken
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
The Owl Service, Alan Garner
The Hound of the Baskervilles, Arthur Conan Doyle
Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank
Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry, Mildren D Taylor
A Kestrel for a Knave, Barry Hines
The Hobbit, JRR Tolkein
War Horse, Michael Morpurgo
Beowulf, Michael Morpurgo
King Solomon’s Mines, H Rider Haggard
Kim, Rudyard Kipling
The Road of Bones, Anne Fine
Frenchman’s Creek, Daphne Du Maurier
Treasure Island, RL Stephenson
Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
Anne of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
Junk, Melvin Burgess
Cider with Rosie, Laurie Lee
The Go-Between, LP Hartley
The Rattle Bag, edited by Seamus Heaney & Ted Hughes
The Song of Hiawatha, HW Longfellow
Watership Down, Richard Adams
Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain
True Grit, Charles Portis
Holes, Louis Sachar
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
My Family and Other Animals, Gerald Durrell
Coraline, Neil Gaiman
Carrie’s War, Nina Bawden
The Story of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
The Lantern Bearers, Rosemary Sutcliffe

Hmmm, I’m not doing too well. I always thought of myself as a voracious reader, but maybe I read the wrong sort of books LOL. Out of the above list I only recall reading about 30 which may mean my essential reading is a bit down on the average. I did read more Dickens, Bronte and Durrell than they mention and I also read quite a bit of Austen, so maybe that ups my list a bit!

One book on the list, Comet in Moominland, brought back quite vivid memories of reading the whole series of these books. I don’t know how old I was but I clearly remember the books themselves and their illustrations. I may have to seek those out again for my children!

I don’t know if all these books are easily available here in Australia, but I am going armed with this list to the local library in a fortnight when school resumes and will see what I can locate.

I need to jump on the younger readers quickly as the girls have just turned seven! I also need to encourage my son to read more. He was a poor reader until the last couple of years when he has worked his way through The Secret Seven and The Famous Five. Having read all the volumes in these series that he could find, he was searching around for a book and saw The Golden Compass, which he is attempting to read. It is more of a novel for an older child – the print is small, the book is thick and the style of writing he is unaccustomed to, but I am happy to let him try.

How many of the above list have you read? Have they missed out on any books?

See the comprehensive listings with a short synopsis of each book here:

part 1 (younger children)
Part 2 (middle years)
Part 3: (early teens)

Coyote Ugly

2008-01-19T22:40:00.000+11:00

A fun movie that gets you grooving with good music and some pretty impressive dancing and barwork antics.

Small town (New Jersey) girl and hopeful songwriter, Violet (Piper Perabo) moves to New York to hopefully make it in the music industry. She quickly finds polite doesn’t work and that the city and its inhabitants are ‘harder’ than she thought.

After her flat is broken into and her spare cash stolen, Violet goes to an all night café and sees some good looking girls (played by Izabella Miko, Bridget Moynahan and Tyra Banks) with plenty of cash, still in partying mode, farewelling one of their number. She finds out they are “coyotes” and she tracks down the Coyote Ugly club and proprietor, in the hope of a job to boost her dwindling resources. The proprietor, Lil (Maria Bello) gives her a chance and literally throws her into the deep end.

Violet has no idea what the whole idea of the bar is and is somewhat shocked to find that she has to be rough, tough, fun and sexy and the requirements of the job include barmaid AND dancing on the bar for the entertainment of the patrons. The bar comes across as one big party with everything at high speed all the time. The “Coyotes” themselves vary considerably – everything from mean to sexy to coquettish. The boss, Lil is tough but encouraging of her ‘girls’.

One music industry employee advises her to attend an open-mic night – where industry talent scouts often go. She attends one club to make enquiries and sees a good looking bloke, Kevin (after all he IS Australian, so I will use the Aussie vernacular here!), played by Adam Garcia of “Bootmen” fame. After a case of confused identities and a bit of old fashioned persistence by the good looking Kevin, they become a couple.

Violet reveals to Kevin that she has a problem singing her songs in public – and as their relationship develops, Kevin does a lot to encourage Violet out of this mindset.

At the bar one night, a fight breaks out with a “Coyote” unable to get out of the fray, and in desperation Violet gets up and sings a song along to the jukebox. Everyone is so shocked that the fight stops, the "Coyote" is saved from harm and Violet has a regular “gig” on the bar singing along to other’s songs.

I had better not tell you anymore to ruin it for you all, but be assured it has a happy ending!

Violet’s dad is played by John Goodman, and he makes a very good single-dad who plays brave and hurt as required. Piper Perabo plays Violet very believably although I did find her accent or ‘twang’ grated just a little by the end of the movie. Adam Garcia is good looking, plays the part of Kevin from the heart and there is a bit of a connection between him and Piper which is nice to see. Mario Bello plays Lil to perfection and the “Coyotes” are beautiful, sexy and great dancers, as they should be!

One to enjoy without having to think too much.

Twelfth Night: Or What You Will (1996)

2008-01-15T22:16:00.000+11:00

A fun romp with Shakespeare! A stellar cast brings the story to life whilst staying true to the writer's ideal.

The story line is simple…yet complex! Major players are:

*a set of twins, Viola and Sebastian that are separated after a storm at sea. Viola (Imogen Stubbs) masquerades as a young man called Cesario to protect herself from harm. She ends up a close companion of Orsino and woos the Lady Olivia on his behalf.
*the Duke of Illyria, Count Orsino (Toby Stephens) head of the military force, who is ignoring his duties in his lovesick pining for the Lady Olivia and finds himself strangely attracted to the faithful Cesario .
*the Lady Olivia (Helena Bonham-Carter) who has sworn off men, but who falls for Cesario - who is really Viola.
*the clown, Feste (Ben Kingsley) who watches all and marvels at all the goings-on.

Smaller storylines include:

*a self-important servant, Malvolio (Nigel Hawthorne) enamoured of his mistress, the Lady Olivia.
*Sir Toby Belch (Mel Smith) a relative of the Lady Olivia who favours Sir Andrew in his endeavours to win Olivia’s hand and who has an eye on Olivia’s housekeeper, Maria (Imelda Staunton). Sir Toby also seeks revenge in the form of embarrassment and madness on Malvolio for his high and mighty behaviour.
*Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Richard Grant) who is hopeful of wooing the lady Olivia, but is continually out of luck.

Imogen Stubbs is the main player and does very good work in being both girl and boy, a sister mourning her brother and is kept busy wooing Olivia whilst being enamoured of Orsino. Helena Bonham-Carter is magnificent as Olivia – she shows wonderful comic acting and you just have to smile watching her.

Toby Stephens is incredibly good looking (no two ways about it, just have to say it!!) and is a wonderful Shakespearian actor. The dialogue falls naturally from his lips and he has just the right amount of emotion for each scene – nothing is over or under acted and the result is impeccable. My only gripe is that his part is too short!

Ben Kingsley relishes his part as the rather wise fool. He sings as well and the folk songs are quite haunting.

Nigel Hawthorne shows his brilliance and you see a bit of magnificent unhinged behaviour as he displayed in The Madness of King George. Superb acting.

Mel Smith plays a great Sir Toby – wine sotted and full of glee. Richard E Grant is suitably wimpish as Sir Andrew and makes his part quite believable. Imelda Staunton, plays a small but strong part as the housekeeper. Sebastian (Steven Mackintosh) has a smaller part, but delivers it well.

Shot on location in Cornwall, the scenery is quite beautiful and along with a fun story and superb acting, it will leave a smile on your face all the way through and for hours afterwards! Enjoy!!