The Woman In Black

Yesterday night I attended a special preview of The Woman In Black followed by a Q & A session with the film's director, James Watkins. The Woman in Black is a tale based on the classic ghost story written by Susan Hill and starring Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps, a lawyer who is forced to leave his young son and travel to a remote village to attend to the affairs of the deceased owner of Eel Marsh House. The house stands at the end of a causeway, wrapped in fog and mystery, but it is not until Arthur glimpse a woman dressed all in black that a creeping sense of unease begins to take hold of him, a feeling deepened by the reluctance of the locals to speak of the woman in black and her terrible purpose. I cannot reveal more about the plot without spoiling the view.

I had a great night watching a very good film that I recommend to anyone. I have always wanted to see the play which has been running on stage in London for over 23 years, but I have never found the time (and the tickets!) to go. Now the film, adapted for the big screen by Jane Goldman, scares the mind without the gore. You are constantly waiting for the next jump out of your seat moment, but you cannot predict when it's coming. Daniel Radcliff is excellent as the lead and proves that there still acting life for him after Harry Potter. I think it is a great British film, made with a limited budget but still beautifully produced with an unsettling atmosphere and exquisite period details.

This preview was part of the VW See Film Differently campaign to sponsor independent cinemas across the UK. We were also treated to free drinks and popcorn and we also found a free copy of Susan Hill's book on every seat. York was chosen as The Woman In Black’s preview venue not only because of its reputation of the most haunted city in England - if not in Europe - but also because Susan Hill was born in Scarborough, Yorkshire and where the play was shown for the first time.

The film opens nationwide in the UK next Friday 10th February.

Midnight in Paris

A lot of us go about our lives wishing that things were different. Many people become so used to the lives they are leading that they end up being easily bored after a while and dream of living in the past, especially since the world seems to be getting worse and worse. 'Midnight in Paris' -written and directed by Woody Allen - deals with themes of nostalgia and what makes us want more out of life. Woody Allen opens the film with beautiful shots of Paris, showing us that this is a place we should be if we're not already there. Paris is more than a great holiday spot, it's an escape from the world and is a nice, classy environment where very little goes wrong.

As per his usual, Woody Allen provides one more couple at the apex of marriage and finds conflict in that universal clash between security and passion. Hollywood screenwriter and wannabe novel writer Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) with his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams) have accompanied her parents to Paris and the excursion shows up their differences in a most prickly manner. She's all about shopping for expensive items, while he wants to take midnight walks in the rain. Indeed, he loves Paris so much he wants to move there, an idea she rejects like he's completely crazy. Meanwhile, she becomes impressed by a conceited, know-it-all professor (Martin Sheen), who precludes every pontification with "if I'm not mistaken," the satire being that his enlightenments are usually untrue. One evening at midnight, dismayed by the way his life is taking, Gil wanders off around Paris and ends up being lost. As he sits down to pull himself together, an antique car drives up and…

Revealing any more would be a cruel deprivation of your pleasure taken by the amazing grace of the film's fluid, elegant surprises. The crisp pace, firm cutting and old-fashioned invisible style leave you longing for more as the movie flies by in 94 minutes of enchanting pleasure, what they always meant when they used to say "movie magic”.

Enough to say that Gil learns a lot more about himself and what he can do to improve his writing and his life in the process of his nostalgic psychological journey.

The film is very charming and Woody Allen's writing is just as clever and witty as it's always been. This is definitely one of the best films he's made in a while, and it's a beautifully shot and unique film with strong performances. Owen Wilson impresses me and every minute movement reminds me of Woody Allen and in particular revokes one of his greatest achievements in Annie Hall. Although it gives the impression of a rather light film, it also makes us look inside ourselves and think about why we so often yearn to venture backwards instead of forwards.

Burlesque

So, all of my friends shrieked in horror when asked to accompany me to the movie Burlesque. With all this silly snobbery around me, I opted to wait for the DVD, but now I regret not having seen it at the cinema.

BURLESQUE, written and directed by Steve Antin, is a terrific cinematic definition of what the word 'burlesque' means: 'a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. The word derives from the Italian burlesco, which itself derives from the Italian burla - a joke, ridicule or mockery.' This is a riot of color and good fun and sassy production numbers à la Bob Fosse. The story is predictable and silly and the script borders on mediocre, but with the talent of the cast, none of that matters!





Ali (Christine Aguilera) flees Iowa in hopes of a career in show biz and happens into a Sunset Strip Burlesque House run by 'still not down' Tess (Cher) who knows her business is failing, despite the solid help from her gay assistant Sean (Stanley Tucci) and the warnings of her ex- husband/partner Vince. Tess has problems with some of her lip-synching cast, namely Nikki (Kristen Bell), and is being hounded to sell her club to the wealthy boyfriend of Nikki - Marcus (Eric Dane). Ali observes, wants to be in the show, but is offered the job of waitress in the club by bartender/songwriter Jack (Cam Gigandet), a guy so kind that he shares his little flat with her. Ali is persistent and when given a chance to audition she gets into the cast. Her trump card is that she is such a terrific singer that she converts the club away from lip-synching into a full-blown song and dance place. Romance of course flutters in as do other little side funny episodes, but the main attractions are the glitzy stage numbers by a surprisingly fine Christina Aguilera and by Cher herself. It is all very corny and very wonderful entertainment. Definitely worth an evening's pleasure.

The King's Speech

If there is a justice in the world of cinema, The King’s Speech and its actors and actresses, director, screenwriter and everybody who contribute to the making of this great film should win a huge heap of awards.

The King’s Speech is based on the true story of Queen Elizabeth II's father and his remarkable friendship with maverick speech therapist Lionel Logue. As the second son of George V, Prince Albert "Bertie" was not expected to ascend to the throne, but when his brother Edward chose to abdicate to marry Wallis Simpson, Bertie was his successor and in 1936 he became King George VI. Thrust into the international spotlight, he engaged Lionel Logue who helped him find a voice to lead the nation.



This is a film about the power of speech, about how tone, pronunciation, and delivery can make all the difference to those who are listening. The story spans the decade leading up to September 3, 1939, the day where the King would have to deliver a speech declaring the British Empire to be at war with Germany. Imagine the kind of confusion, fear, and turmoil that all of Britain must have been feeling at this time. Every home in Britain would have been listening to the radio on this fateful day. The speech to be delivered by the King over this frequency, would not only have to reassure the nation that everything will be okay, but that their leadership and government is firm and at its utmost strength. Imagine how uncomfortable the people would have been had the speech been spoken by a King who stammered at almost every word he spoke.

But stammer is what King George VI frequently did. The film frequently shows Albert (Bertie), King George's real name, rendered literally speechless whenever he had to speak publicly. This was serious problem he wanted to rectify; at first for his own well being, but then because he was to be appointed King once his older brother stepped down from the throne. The scandal that surrounded King Edward's relations with a divorced American woman caused him to revoke his title. This caused it to be thrust upon Albert, despite the fact that he did not want it. The film rightfully sidesteps the details of the scandal and focuses on Albert, and the friendship he develops with Lionel Logue, the speech therapist that Albert hires to help him with his stammer.



Colin Firth is perfect as Albert/King George VI. His performance emphasizes the inner struggle Albert faces as he deals with his own problems as well as the country's. Colin Firth is spectacular, giving a very natural and human spin to what could have a tired turn. We have seen how hard actors tried to show their technical skills, and it's Firth's gift that he can make a stutter emotional and frustrating, that we see how his soul hurts, and his spirit breaks over and over, as he tries to overcome his disability. He knows where he belongs, the pressures he is under, and he hates the spotlight, and all of this is perfectly reflected in his performance.



Geoffrey Rush deserves Oscar consideration for his portrayal of Lionel, the unconventional and unqualified Australian teacher. Rush mixes just the right amount of humour with the character's determination to make Albert into a mighty King. Also of note is Helena Bonham Carter as Albert's wife Elizabeth. Only a great actress like Carter can play a woman so merciless as Belatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter films as well as someone so gentle, and merciful as Queen Elizabeth in The King's Speech.

Remember Me

Have you ever noticed how some people can teach you life lessons about who you are what you hold dear? Have you ever passed a stranger and wondered what tragedy they've endured in their lifetime? Have you ever asked why me...or better yet, why NOT me?Life lessons are often the hardest to learn and you never know who's going to be the instructor. Sometimes it's an actual teacher who fulfills that role. Sometimes it's a friend. Sometimes it's a parent. And while you could argue that we really already know deep down the things these instructors reveal to us, it stands to reason that a reminder now and again about who we are and what we hold dear can and should serve as wake up call or guiding light as we navigate our lives. And this film, well, I think it reinforces that the inner revelations we often try to ignore, deny, suppress, and trivialize should be recognized. And valued.

This movie was quite a shock for me. I watched it because my daughter (a huge Robert Pattinson’s fan) wanted to watch it and I needed to see whether it was suitable for her. I wasn't expecting it to be so good considering some of the critic's reviews I read lately. But it was.
It is really an emotional roller coaster. I don't plan on spoiling it for you, but I will give you my opinion. Though there is the story of love between two broken people, this movie is so much more than that. It's about life in general, and what it means to all of us. The ending is a twist, and it really makes you stop and think about what you're contributing to the world. Not many movies have a message anymore, but this one definitely does. I strongly recommend you don't look up other reviews, though, because they could possibly give away the ending... and trust me, you want to go into this movie without knowing, so you can experience your feelings fully.

Where Art Thou, Lorenzo?

There is a place in Verona, Italy called Casa di Giulietta where the lovelorn go to leave notes on the wall next to Juliet's balcony asking for love advice. These letters are collected at the end of each day and answered by a group of real-life employees who regard themselves as Juliet's secretaries.

Such is the idea of director Gary Winick's postcard-pretty romantic comedy, Letters to Juliet. Its premise alone is enough to tell you that this is a chick flick through and through, but here's the surprise- despite its predictability, it actually is pretty likable. And indeed what's there not to like? It has stunning views of the Veneto and Tuscan countryside; it stars the radiant Amanda Seyfried (you'll probably remember her from Mamma Mia!); and it's about second chances in love, which anyone who has ever been in love can certainly relate to.




At the heart of its story is the American girl Sophie, a magazine (The New Yorker by the way!) fact-checker on a pre-honeymoon holiday in Italy with her restaurateur fiancé, Victor who is primarily interested in exploring the area for its culinary ingredients to use in his restaurant- so on one of those trips, Sophie decides to go visit the Casa di Giulietta on her own. There, she finds a letter written 50 years before by a young English girl who had fallen in love with a dashing Italian while on holiday, but because of family constraints she had gone back to England without even saying goodbye.

Sophie feels compelled to respond and her reply brings the elderly Claire (a luminous Vanessa Redgrave) to Italy, accompanied by her grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan). Claire wants to find her old beau Lorenzo Bartolini and so they set off on a road trip to visit the 74 men of the same name in the Siena area to locate her special one. Will Claire find the love she lost? Will Sophie find new love? Will Charlie fall in love? You'd probably already know the answers to all three questions.




A touching, romantic and beautiful movie. Even though you knew how it was going to end you slowly got completely wrapped up in the characters at each turn of events. The schmaltz, melodrama and cheese are all put together in a totally engrossing romance.

Anyway, the Tuscan scenery is staggeringly beautiful. And watching real-life couple Redgrave and Nero walk hand in hand is very heart-warming. These two first fell in love during the mid-60's while filming Camelot. This cost Vanessa Redgrave her first marriage, but the lovers did not marry until 2006. Just to prove that it is never too late for love.

Potter Mania

I’m not a fan of Harry Potter’s or rather I’m not a fan of the Harry Potter’s movies. After having refused to read the books for years some time ago my son has managed to convince me to read the first one with the consequence that I read them all within a very short time. And, surprise, surprise, I liked them. I owe a big thank to Harry Potter and JK Rowling for getting my teenage son into reading books. He started with Harry Potter and then got into reading more and more and his limited teenage vocabulary based on three-letter words and the usual grunts has widened dramatically. As said before, I’ve quite enjoyed the HP books myself, I find them well written, imaginative and definitely entertaining. I cannot say the same about the movies, though. Although The Chambers of Secrets, The Prisoner of Askaban and The Goblet of Fire were pretty good, in spite of the very wooden performance of the young actors who don’t seem to get better with age but only wealthier, the last two HP movies have become more a concentration of special effects than ad adaption of the book. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, last HP instalment, was rather a disappointment for me and my children as big chunks from the book are missing and it’s difficult to follow the story unless you’ve read the book. The director seems more focused on depicting the teenage love stories among the characters especially dwelling on their bad acting. I cannot really understand how Emma Watson, aka Hermione Granger, has managed to pile up the huge amount of 10 millions pounds in her bank account based on her very poor acting skills! Am I really a bad person if in the middle of the film I ardently wished Lord Voldemort or whoever for him to strike her out of the stratosphere with an “Avada Kedavra” spell? Please do not tell my daughter!

(still haven’t received my new router so Internet access still limited)

A night at the pictures

The other night my baby boy (15) offered to look after his baby sister (9) so that Tony and I could go to the pictures. And when a teenager offers it’s better not to let go, as it does not happen very often! Tony wished to see last James Bond’s movie but they won’t seen me dead in a James Bond with a muppet playing the main role! Anyway, I eventually managed to drag him to see “Brideshead Revisited” as I knew how much he liked the 80’s TV series.

I won’t trouble you too much with the plot. The movie, based on a very successful novel by Evelyn Waugh published in 1945, tells an evocative story of forbidden love and the loss of innocence set in pre-WWII England. It begins in 1925 at Oxford where Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode) is befriended by the flamboyant Sebastian Flyte, son of Lord and Lady Marchmain (Michael Gambon and Academy Award-winner Emma Thompson). Charles is quickly seduced by his friend’s opulent and glamorous world and thrilled by an invitation to ‘Brideshead’, the Marchmain’s magnificent ancestral home. Totally fascinated by his surroundings, Charles becomes infatuated with Sebastian’s beautiful sister, Julia, but as his emotional attachment to the young Marchmains grows, Charles finds himself increasingly at odds with the family’s strongest bond: a deep and abiding Catholic faith.

(in Venice, another marvellous setting)

Although the movie does not match the charm and opulence of the TV series, the cinematography is splendid and all in all it is an entertaining and pleasant experience. The casting is fine, the playing excellent, the period setting is handsomely recreated. The main male characters do not live up to the marvelous performance of Jeremy Irons and above all Anthony Andrews, but Emma Thompson steals the screen playing the role of Lady Marchmain, the strict matriarch who has forced her Catholic beliefs upon her children to such degree that their lives are more or less destroyed.

But the real star of the movie, even more now than 20 years ago, is the splendid setting of Castle Howard (which “plays” the role of Brideshead), 15 miles north of York, one of Britain's finest historic houses in Britain and still home to the Howard family who conceived, designed, and built it over three centuries ago.