Classic favourite (for us ladies that is) this isn’t such a male basher as the film would have you believe. Based on Terry McMillan’s 1992 best-seller, it’s a statement about modern times.
The plot centres on four black American women dealing with life’s ups and downs with the help of their friends – how they work it through, keep things together and resolve their problems, of which men are partly the cause in some cases, and in others they are part solution.
Robin’s (played by Lela Rochon in the film) – looking for the right man
Gloria’s (Loretta Devine) – a single mum afraid to commit again
Savannah’s (Whitney Houston) – a career girl dealing with a boss who takes credit for her work and an invalid mother
Bernadine’s (Angela Bassett) - locked in a divorce with a deceitful husband
The film was Forest Whitaker’s first go at directing a full length film so I’m surprised that he took the male bashing route. It definitely got the slick, perfectly made up, Hollywood treatment, and on the plus side provided a rare opportunity to see four black women on the big screen in leading roles. Not to mention a great sound track. This rightly did well at the box office but you only get a taste of the complexity of the book
Is it any good?
A tough one to call – an even 4 out of 5 for both book and screen. A definite feel good look for the ‘better half’
Friday, September 29, 2006
Waiting to Exhale
What's it about?
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian – marina lewycka
What’s it about?
Family feuding on a grand scale is the subject of this recent and Orange Prize shortlisted novel. Round 1 – Tractors have very little to do with it as two sisters fight it out go get one over each other, for their eventual inheritance and their father’s love. Round 2 – in the away corner sits busty, bottle-blonde Valentina, sophisticated gold digger who is hiding behind a very thin and battered maternal cloak.
Although billed as a comedy my ribs were barely tickled as I read my way through this, although it’s still not a bad read. It’s actually a perceptive portrait of a family’s fragile relationships thrown into strong relief, as old wounds are torn open when two sisters Vera and Nadezhda are forced to work together against a common enemy who marries their aging father in a bid to take everything he has.
Although there’s a definite fiery female bias, all the characters are tightly drawn, developing naturally with the storyline into a multifaceted whole. You start out hating Valentina, but as you hear about her circumstances you start to ask yourself how right are you to judge so harshly? Whilst you can easily sympathise with Nikolai (Vera and Nadezhda’s father) as he shrivels slowly to a pale shadow of his former sprightly self – he still remains a letch to the end, and you’re going to come to a point where you think won’t he ever learn?
Tractors are mentioned as part of Nikolai’s book, of which we get pages of extracts. At first sight, they seem unnecessary, but are in fact an alternative attempt at character exposition, as they serve to illustrate the old man’s state of mind (not sure if I’d encourage a repeat of that idea).
Is it any good?
At 3 out of 5, worth a read
Family feuding on a grand scale is the subject of this recent and Orange Prize shortlisted novel. Round 1 – Tractors have very little to do with it as two sisters fight it out go get one over each other, for their eventual inheritance and their father’s love. Round 2 – in the away corner sits busty, bottle-blonde Valentina, sophisticated gold digger who is hiding behind a very thin and battered maternal cloak.
Although billed as a comedy my ribs were barely tickled as I read my way through this, although it’s still not a bad read. It’s actually a perceptive portrait of a family’s fragile relationships thrown into strong relief, as old wounds are torn open when two sisters Vera and Nadezhda are forced to work together against a common enemy who marries their aging father in a bid to take everything he has.
Although there’s a definite fiery female bias, all the characters are tightly drawn, developing naturally with the storyline into a multifaceted whole. You start out hating Valentina, but as you hear about her circumstances you start to ask yourself how right are you to judge so harshly? Whilst you can easily sympathise with Nikolai (Vera and Nadezhda’s father) as he shrivels slowly to a pale shadow of his former sprightly self – he still remains a letch to the end, and you’re going to come to a point where you think won’t he ever learn?
Tractors are mentioned as part of Nikolai’s book, of which we get pages of extracts. At first sight, they seem unnecessary, but are in fact an alternative attempt at character exposition, as they serve to illustrate the old man’s state of mind (not sure if I’d encourage a repeat of that idea).
Is it any good?
At 3 out of 5, worth a read
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Love those curves
I applauded when I heard that Madrid’s Mayor banned ‘stick thin’ models (ie those with a BMI of less than 14 (!!) – you know, the one lettuce leaf a day gals) from their fashion week. Now Lakeside’s (massive retail park) done the same thing, banning them from its shows. I’m sensing a welcome new trend here. Now fashion city’s waking up to the appeal of curves, let’s hope more of us ladies are going to start loving those love handles ….
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Pregnant pause (part 2)
What a historic day! Hallelujah, praise the Lord! It’s happened at last, a man (black guy no less) offered me his seat on the tube this morning! Bless you bro.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Day of the Triffids
What’s it about?
After seeing the various film and TV versions, I was surprised how good this tale about a world taken over by giant killer plants, that stalk living prey – humans included, was.
This classic was done little justice by the 1981 TV mini series and even less so by the cheesy 1962 horror film effort.
Written as pure science fiction (not horror) in 1951, John Wyndham’s novel is still a gripping, suspenseful read. It paints a vivid picture of a quieter but still recognisable London, following an unlikely scientist and society girl couple in a race for survival, as civilization disintegrates around them.
Refreshingly, the heroine is more tough totty (for her time) rather than the screaming idiot that’s portrayed on celluloid. The dialogue may be a little old fashioned along with some of the characters’ manners and dress, but this comes across as quaint more than irritating and just adds to the authenticity of the book.
My one criticism would be the lack of clues about the nature of the mysterious disease that is also killing many of the survivors (– or did I miss something??).
Is it any good?
I’d give it 4 out of 5, this is definitely one to read not watch. The book’s slim line size also makes it great for tube reading.
After seeing the various film and TV versions, I was surprised how good this tale about a world taken over by giant killer plants, that stalk living prey – humans included, was.
This classic was done little justice by the 1981 TV mini series and even less so by the cheesy 1962 horror film effort.
Written as pure science fiction (not horror) in 1951, John Wyndham’s novel is still a gripping, suspenseful read. It paints a vivid picture of a quieter but still recognisable London, following an unlikely scientist and society girl couple in a race for survival, as civilization disintegrates around them.
Refreshingly, the heroine is more tough totty (for her time) rather than the screaming idiot that’s portrayed on celluloid. The dialogue may be a little old fashioned along with some of the characters’ manners and dress, but this comes across as quaint more than irritating and just adds to the authenticity of the book.
My one criticism would be the lack of clues about the nature of the mysterious disease that is also killing many of the survivors (– or did I miss something??).
Is it any good?
I’d give it 4 out of 5, this is definitely one to read not watch. The book’s slim line size also makes it great for tube reading.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
The Queen (12A)
What’s it about?
Those of us around at the time watched the story of Princess Diana’s death through the eyes of the media. This film tells the story through the eyes of the royal family.
Helen Mirren puts in an excellent performance as HRH Queen Elizabeth II, faithfully portraying a woman who doesn’t put her feelings on show, and whose way of life is “Duty first self second” yet still manages to inject a great deal of feeling into her performance.
Use of actual footage from the week of Diana’s funeral will either bring it all flooding back or make those extraordinary scenes are reality for you if you weren’t around at the time.
There’s a healthy undercurrent of cynicism about the media and the way people in the public eye have to ‘play their game’ to survive, subtly underlined by some prophetic lines:
Tony Blair in response to a call from Gordon “tell him to wait”
The Queen to Tony Blair re what it’s like to be hated “It’ll happen to you one day”
Is it any good?
All in all, I’d give it 3 out of 5. Not one for those into blood soaked action, but worth a look if you’re curious about the behind the scenes of Diana’s death, or who like to watch the power play of the media and politics in action.
Those of us around at the time watched the story of Princess Diana’s death through the eyes of the media. This film tells the story through the eyes of the royal family.
Helen Mirren puts in an excellent performance as HRH Queen Elizabeth II, faithfully portraying a woman who doesn’t put her feelings on show, and whose way of life is “Duty first self second” yet still manages to inject a great deal of feeling into her performance.
Use of actual footage from the week of Diana’s funeral will either bring it all flooding back or make those extraordinary scenes are reality for you if you weren’t around at the time.
There’s a healthy undercurrent of cynicism about the media and the way people in the public eye have to ‘play their game’ to survive, subtly underlined by some prophetic lines:
Tony Blair in response to a call from Gordon “tell him to wait”
The Queen to Tony Blair re what it’s like to be hated “It’ll happen to you one day”
Is it any good?
All in all, I’d give it 3 out of 5. Not one for those into blood soaked action, but worth a look if you’re curious about the behind the scenes of Diana’s death, or who like to watch the power play of the media and politics in action.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Bridget Jones
I don’t usually rant (For those who've just read my previous posting - rant over, promise) , but I think something’s come over me since I finally got through reading Bridget Jones’ Diary – yes the original (I know I’m several years late!) But I loved the film and going on the usual premise that the book is always better, I dived in … what a disappointment!!
Where was the depth of character, the jokes, what was this crazy far fetched plot???!!! Grrr (to coin a Bridget term). Yes I know this book has gained a huge following over the years but I’m happy to be in the minority and say, as a thirty something single for many years I couldn’t relate to this self absorbed tale of drink sodden martyrdom.
Am I the only one? Someone out there please reassure me!!
Where was the depth of character, the jokes, what was this crazy far fetched plot???!!! Grrr (to coin a Bridget term). Yes I know this book has gained a huge following over the years but I’m happy to be in the minority and say, as a thirty something single for many years I couldn’t relate to this self absorbed tale of drink sodden martyrdom.
Am I the only one? Someone out there please reassure me!!
Pregnant Pause
This is nothing to do with film or books – but tell me why is it that only women are willing to give up their seats for pregnant women using public transport? The number of furtive looks and slight frowns that I’ve had directed my way, which slide quickly away as soon as I turn my head in their vague direction since I’ve begun to show
You can just see them thinking, hmm she’s pregnant, she might want a seat, but I’m comfy/had a long day/waited ages for this one (whatever the excuse), should I offer her mine? Maybe someone else will….??
Well actually 9 times out of 10 THEY WON’T! Can I encourage all men out there to dig deep into some old fashioned chivalry and offer yours – you might even get a thank you but no thank you, and if not at least you’ll get that warm glow of doing something for someone else.
You can just see them thinking, hmm she’s pregnant, she might want a seat, but I’m comfy/had a long day/waited ages for this one (whatever the excuse), should I offer her mine? Maybe someone else will….??
Well actually 9 times out of 10 THEY WON’T! Can I encourage all men out there to dig deep into some old fashioned chivalry and offer yours – you might even get a thank you but no thank you, and if not at least you’ll get that warm glow of doing something for someone else.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
BFI London Film Festival
Went along with that journo, all round good guy, tell it like it is, film addict michael morgan to the launch of the 50th London film festival this am and what a treat it was. As well as being spoilt by coffee and danishes on arrival were also treated to some great trailers, wow its gonna be a great festival...
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