Messages

Great review Bat King! 

[True Grit,]

It was Sauchie who recently reignited my goal to watch the Coen Brother's True Grit, and would you believe it, while out shopping on Friday i managed to grab a copy of said film for £3! When i say grab i literally mean grab - seeing as it was the last copy...

Anyways, i managed to finally watch it last night and i must say i thoroughly enjoyed it. The thing you notice first is the magnificent cinematography by (Briton) Roger Deakins, my word does this film look beautiful. From the lush landscape, to the scene of the main characters on horseback against a white snowy back drop....its one of the most handsome films or westerns since The Assassination of Jesse James...which was photographed incidentally, by Deakins too!

As for the story, it was very engaging and mediative, not to mention thrilling in places too. Nearly all the actors do a stellar job, especially the three main characters; Hailee Steinfeld as the self assured and strong willed 14 year old Mattie Ross, Jeff Bridges as the whiskey drinking one eyed U.S Marshal Rooster Cogburn and of course Matt Damon as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf. Even actors with a minor role such as Barry Pepper (Lucky Ned) are excellent. In fact Pepper looks unrecognisable, with his manky teeth and shrivelled weather worn features.

The film cracks along at a steady speed, stopping just for a few memorable moments; such as the scene of the hanged man, and the Indian 'doctor' who, when we first see approaching on screen , looks like a bear riding a horse! The film may seem like a typical western; but it is full of these very Coen-esque moments. This is not a remake of the John Wayne film of the same name, rather a straight up adaption of the original novel. But the Coen's imbue the film with their own unique flavour and stamp.

In the end it was a very satisfying watch and as a fan of westerns and of both the Coen's, i enjoyed it. If there was one criticism it would have to be the ending which felt was too rushed for my liking, especially as the film up to that point,spent a great deal of time getting us aquainted with the characters. Nonetheless is was a sad and poignant finish to an excellent film. I wish Hollywood would make more westerns like this.

Thanks Colin, you've convinced me to finally see this film! 

[Programme 1819]

Programme 1819

Awesome prog! All the thrills this week were outstanding...

Cover by Jamie Harren & Chris Blythe was very impressive. I loved the contrast between the white background and the image, rendered with such aplomb and eye catching visual style. I loved it!

As for the interior, Judge Dredd was excellent. James Harren's artwork was outstanding. I know not everyone was too fond of his depiction of Dredd, especially his jawline and mouth (too Hellboyish), but i really liked it. The thing is every artist has their own and sometimes unique interpretation of Dredd, like top art-droids Doherty, Macneil or Flint (to name but a few), and each brings something fresh through their work. For example, i love Macneils renderring of Dredd with the big 'Bruce Forsyth" chin! And i feel Harren's depiction is also very unique in that regard, and interesting too. Aside from Dredd I also loved the whole look of the strip. The world that Dredd gets trapped in was very nightmarish and apocalyptic, yet intriguing and fascinating. The monster we see in this nightmare was very beautifully drawn, and felt like something out of the pages of B.P.R.D. I really enjoyed it! I'd love to see more from James Harren.

Savage was an absolute joy to read. And to think here was a strip which started off the least intetesting for me....nevertheless, the last few prog's this has been really enjoyable. The Hammersteins directive malfunction was quite funny (as was their fate!), but Pat Mills manages to get a message on class division/favouritism in, which was interesting. And the whole issue with that Volgan sniper; will Bill nail his scumbag ass? I hope so! Patrick Goddard continues to impress with his black and white artwork, which is drokking superb in my opinion. Some of the best stuff i've seen.

Ampney Crucis was another strong read. I'm not too familiar with the world of Sticleback sadly, so couldn't pick up on the reference everyone else has. Hopefully that should change after i read the collected trade of said title, which is sitting on my desk right now (thanks to my local library).

Now Red Seas, this has been one of my favourite strips from the start and this prog we had some fascinating incidents taking place, not least of which was Jack trying to reason with the devil! But the devil...well, he'll always be the sneaky bastard he is! Jack's speech about meeting 'Norse Gods and little green men' has finally persuaded me to seek out the Red Seas trade (i take there has only been the one?). I must get my hands on a copy...

Strontium Dog was a big improvement from the last couple of progs. Really enjoyable stuff. And Carlos Ezquerra's artwork has not lost even one iota of its beauty - it just continues to amaze this particular Earthlet.

So a very strong and enjoyable prog overall. I look forward to next week with great anticipation and fervour.

The Dark Knight Rises, which wasn't anywhere near as rotten as some of you lot lead me to expect. It's just Batman Forever with ideas, but I thought Bane was the most hilarious villain I've seen on screen. The disparity between how he looks and how he speaks is endlessly entertaining, and I can't stop doing the voice and quotes. I'm glad Nolan finally took the stick (halfway) out his arse and made something as funny as the character's Sixties screen incarnation.

Gosh how very knowing and modern!

Except Bane wasn't supposed to be funny, Nolan didn't make any attempt to inject silly, camp humour and it's nothing like Batman Forever.

But you knew that already

The thing is qtwerk, even if Nolan's Bane wasn't meant to be funny, inadvertently he is!  just the contrast between his look and speech is, in my opinion, a masterstroke by Nolan!

The look of the film is also really beautiful; especially the Mos Eisley Cantinaesque/ H.P Lovecraft inspired Troll Market scene. Absolutely breathtaking.

Just recently saw HB2 for the first time a few weeks back, and I have to agree with these sentiments.  Excellent, excellent film, huge buckets of style and heart. 

I was a little disappointed by the 'we're going to the Giant's Causeway' but then actually go somewhere else entirely bit, but that was the full extent of my criticisms.  The kind of movie where you instantly lament the absence of another instalment even before the credits roll.

TordelBack, if you still have the copy of the DVD/ Blu-ray in your possession (and if you have the time) then i really urge you to listen to the commentary by Del Toro, and even the extra's, its such a fascinating process and Del Toro makes for a very fun watch/ listen! I think he mention's something about the Giant's Causeway too (as Richmond has said above) i think it was budgetary reasons.

And i agree, the film has a lot of heart, on top of all the beautiful imagery and thrilling action on show. The ending in particular was really poignant especially Nuada's speech.  I for one would love to see a third film. 

I'm just halfway through reading this awesome trade and i have to say its been one hell of a ride. The story grabbed me by the b*lls from the opening page. Artwork by everyone connected is just stupendous; in particular Colin Macneil and Henry Flint's works, not forgetting Ben Wilisher aswell.

The design and quality of the trade is beautiful, Rebellion have done a great job (as always). It has to be the one of the most handsomely presented trades i have had the pleasure of holding in my hands in the last year.

I'll do a full report on the collection after i finish reading it, but on this evidence this is a stellar comic. And a great introduction to the Day of Chaos arc, especially for someone like myself who came on board 2000AD much later.

Two days ago i watched Hellboy 2 on Blu-ray. Man, how gorgeous it looks... seems strange, but i'm completely identified by Hellboy and Abe. Their "margination" from humanity, their lonelyness... i found them more "human" than most people i know. Del Toro made a good job with these two movies. I've read some Hellboy stories here and there, but i'm gonna get soon BPRD and Hellboy comics once and for all.

My favourite moment in the film: a drunk Abe and Hellboy singing along to Barry Manilow.....brilliant! 

The look of the film is also really beautiful; especially the Mos Eisley Cantinaesque/ H.P Lovecraft inspired Troll Market scene. Absolutely breathtaking.

You have to read the Hellboy comics esp. the BPRD Collection, some of the best stuff i've encountered over the years.

I watched Madagascar 3 with my son last night, and had a big laugh while doing so! Part of the reason being the big bear character called Sonya. You see he has a cousin, a 3 year old girl called Sonya. And everytime Sonya the bear popped up on screen he burst out laughing; "dad, Sonya (his cousin) wishes she was a princess, what if she see's Madagascar and finds out she's turned into a big hairy bear?" lol. Kids. 

awww, that's cute. He'll be teasing her with that for weeks!

I know! And i doubt his aunt'll be too pleased! 

Its a joy watching a film with him, some of the stuff he just comes out with - and he only turned five the other day.

I watched Madagascar 3 with my son last night, and had a big laugh while doing so! Part of the reason being the big bear character called Sonya. You see he has a cousin, a 3 year old girl called Sonya. And everytime Sonya the bear popped up on screen he burst out laughing; "dad, Sonya (his cousin) wishes she was a princess, what if she see's Madagascar and finds out she's turned into a big hairy bear?" lol. Kids. 

Just had this little beauty delivered today! 

[I thought it okay and would like to see it again. (I never did pick up the DVD of either. Maybe I should do that.]

What particularly struck me on comparing the two films, is that they feel like different universes. The first akin to the realistic type sci-fi of Alien (the subject matter didn't hurt, there either. Okay strictly Alien is a horror film, not science fiction, but arguably Pitch Black is as well. Their world's feel more hard sci-fi though.). The 'sort-of sequel'* had much more of a science fantasy feel, like Star Wars and Dune**.

Even so... they don't contradict each other. They do fit, but it might require letting go of preconceptions of the universe from the first film when viewing the second.. if that makes sense.

The third will be interesting to see. I did find Chronicles... a bit pretentious in places but, I thought it okay and would like to see it again. (I never did pick up the DVD of either. Maybe I should do that.) Definitely underrated. Or maybe not since it is spawning a sequel.


*'Sort-of' because it's a rather different beast altogether.

**Granted those two are very different but I think you get what I mean.

Yes you definitely should! My love for The Chronicles... Increased ten fold after watching it a few times afterward on DVD (and twice at the theatres, prior to that!). I just feel you'll enjoy it more now, than when you saw it first. Also if you can, try and see if you can nab a copy of the directors cut; i found it quite interesting - with some scenes changed (like his capture by the Mercs on New Mecca) and new scenes like a dream of Furia whilst on board the ship heading for mentioned world. Damn i really need to watch this again! 

[much]

After reading The Life And Death Of Johny Alpha trade, i was bloody dying to find out what happened next (the collected trade ended very abruptly - without even a 'to be continued'  ). But as for my feelings on  book 3 which we are in the midst of right now, for me it started a little slow but pretty soon a couple of progs in the action picked up. I have to say i'm neither getting blown away or bored by the strip - just somewhere in between. I feel it will read much better in a collected format. Thats just me...

^ Great pic Goaty!

I cannot wait for the release of this film. I absolutely loved Pitch Black and probably the sequel even more, regardless of what the naysayers said. It was a solid sci-fi actioneer with some great set pieces like the free-running on Crematoria and the opening invasion on New Mecca! It wasn't perfect, far from it but it was still an enjoyable romp. Dune via Die Hard (or any notable action flick) in my opinion. I loved how it went away from the closed claustrophobic horror settings of the first to an action packed world building setting for the sequel. I hope for this film we can get a bit of both (and due to the budget, it'll most likely follow the first films formula). Early talks of the premise sounds freaking awesome.

With the original you could almost believe it was a 'Robo-cop', especially the scenes of Peter Weller without his head piece, thanks to the wizardry of Rob Bottin. But that crap above looks like a freaking man in a suit - and a shit one at that.