What’s it about?
We follow the lives of guests and staff at the Ambassador Hotel on June 4th 1968, the day before Robert Kennedy was assassinated. The hopes of the time are thoughtfully reflected in the ups, downs and frustrations of their lives, which are devastated by Kennedy’s assassination. Providing a snapshot of this unique time in American history.
Highs n lows
The measure of a good film is being able to go in, sit down, and be hooked from the outset. Now I’m not the slowest one off the starting block, but I went to see this without knowing exactly what it was about, and struggled until about half way through before twigging that there wasn’t an overall story, just interwoven vignettes of people’s lives each throwing a bit of light on issues of the day. Had I read the synopsis in advance I might have formed a different view, but as it is, this is a poignant portrayal of life at a point in history, but not a must see.
Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, this is however worth a look just for the sheer number of stars in the cast, effortlessly portraying a vast mixture of characters with the minimum of lines, including amongst others: Christian Slater (bigoted boss Timmons) Laurence Fishburne (outspoken sous chef Edward) and Freddy Rodriguez (kitchen hand Jose) whose story shows what life was like struggling to make it in a country where open prejudice was rife.
The struggle between the sexes is shown by switchboard worker Angela who hopes her affair with boss Ebbers (William H Macy) will lead to a promotion; juxtaposed pointedly by the despair of older women Sharon Stone (Hotel Hairdresser) and Demi Moore (alcoholic singer Virginia Fallon) – watch out for their dressing room scene.
Whilst society’s respect for older people and disrespect for the Vietnam war are shown through the eyes of retired doormen (Anthony Hopkins and Harry Belafonte) and the young engaged couple (Elijah Wood and Lindsay Lohan) marrying to save him from going out to Vietnam.
Events are movingly tied together with actual audio footage of Kennedy’s speeches, many of which are, sadly, still relevant today.
“What I think is quite clear is that we can work together in the last analysis. And that what has been going on with the United States … – the divisions, the violence, the disenchantment with our society … whether it’s between blacks and whites, between the poor and the more affluent, or between age groups or over the war in Vietnam – that we can start to work together again. We are a great country, an unselfish country and a compassionate country. And I intend to make that my basis for running …”
- Robert F Kennedy’s final speech, June 5 1968
Is it any good?
3 out of 5
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Arthur and George – julian barnes
What’s it about?
Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle inventor of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories, comes to the rescue of George Edalji a mixed race lawyer imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Based loosely on the true case of The Great Wyrley Outrages of the late 1800s.
Highs n lows
This isn’t really a detective novel, in fact two thirds of the book is spent getting in to the heads and lives of the two main characters, before the crux comes in the last third where the creator of Sherlock Holmes turns detective in ‘real life’.
This novel is notable for its detailed and vivid expose of the everyday lives of two very different main characters, as much as it is for its highlighting of a long forgotten case of injustice.
It’s not a page turner, but if you’re interested in finding out about how life was lived one hundred odd years ago, Sir Arthur, the vagaries of the British justice system, the impact of spiritual beliefs or the state of race prejudice at the time you’ll probably enjoy this. Don’t read it for the intrigue of solving the crime, you’ll be disappointed. Information about the crimes involved in the case, though detailed, is patchily outlined. The action is slow, and the resolution of the actual case no more than a one line postscript towards the end of the book.
Is it any good?
3 out of 5. Those who care will want to know that this was a Richard and Judy book club recommendation for the British Book Awards 2006, and shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2005.
Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle inventor of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories, comes to the rescue of George Edalji a mixed race lawyer imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Based loosely on the true case of The Great Wyrley Outrages of the late 1800s.
Highs n lows
This isn’t really a detective novel, in fact two thirds of the book is spent getting in to the heads and lives of the two main characters, before the crux comes in the last third where the creator of Sherlock Holmes turns detective in ‘real life’.
This novel is notable for its detailed and vivid expose of the everyday lives of two very different main characters, as much as it is for its highlighting of a long forgotten case of injustice.
It’s not a page turner, but if you’re interested in finding out about how life was lived one hundred odd years ago, Sir Arthur, the vagaries of the British justice system, the impact of spiritual beliefs or the state of race prejudice at the time you’ll probably enjoy this. Don’t read it for the intrigue of solving the crime, you’ll be disappointed. Information about the crimes involved in the case, though detailed, is patchily outlined. The action is slow, and the resolution of the actual case no more than a one line postscript towards the end of the book.
Is it any good?
3 out of 5. Those who care will want to know that this was a Richard and Judy book club recommendation for the British Book Awards 2006, and shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2005.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Writers discriminated against?
Last week The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) ruled that a literary prize run by the Arts Council England and Penguin UK for writers from minority ethnic groups had to include entrants of all ethnic groups, after complaints that it discriminated against white writers.
The Decibel Penguin Prize was originally to be a short story competition for British writers of Asian, African or Caribbean origin and was set up to encourage diversity. Since the ruling, the Arts Council England have said that the second year of the Prize will focus on “personal stories of immigrants to the UK.” that way “the spirit” of the original prize can be retained.
Taxpayer's money
The issue seems to be that the Prize is funded by the taxpayer. If it had been funded privately or, for example, from entry fees, there wouldn’t have been an issue. Many prizes do in fact target specific groups like the £30,000 Orange Literary Prize, which recognises women’s writing.
So should government funding be made available for prizes that encourage the talent of certain sections of society? Diran Adebayo, British writer of Nigerian parentage, commented recently that the quality of a book mattered more than whether its author happened to be black or Asian. But isn’t there a place for initiatives that break down barriers and encourage those who wouldn’t traditionally do a lot of reading to do more, like black boys for example? It can be argued that having books written by people who understand their lives, such as their peers or male role models who they can look up to, might help.
Lack of Opportunity
Positive discrimination is always a tricky subject. There will always be those who say it’s not helpful, you’ll be stopping talented people from other ethnic groups from competing and the winner will always be seen as someone who wasn’t good enough to succeed any other way. Leaving aside the fundamental flaw in this argument, in that it confuses the issue of opportunity with that of talent, and doesn’t recognise that often talented people from these groups are up against additional obstacles which have traditionally made it more difficult for them to participate; there are already many instances where government funding is used for specific groups, whether for a specific ethnic group or section of society like job seekers, so why not for a literary prize?
The Decibel Penguin Prize was originally to be a short story competition for British writers of Asian, African or Caribbean origin and was set up to encourage diversity. Since the ruling, the Arts Council England have said that the second year of the Prize will focus on “personal stories of immigrants to the UK.” that way “the spirit” of the original prize can be retained.
Taxpayer's money
The issue seems to be that the Prize is funded by the taxpayer. If it had been funded privately or, for example, from entry fees, there wouldn’t have been an issue. Many prizes do in fact target specific groups like the £30,000 Orange Literary Prize, which recognises women’s writing.
So should government funding be made available for prizes that encourage the talent of certain sections of society? Diran Adebayo, British writer of Nigerian parentage, commented recently that the quality of a book mattered more than whether its author happened to be black or Asian. But isn’t there a place for initiatives that break down barriers and encourage those who wouldn’t traditionally do a lot of reading to do more, like black boys for example? It can be argued that having books written by people who understand their lives, such as their peers or male role models who they can look up to, might help.
Lack of Opportunity
Positive discrimination is always a tricky subject. There will always be those who say it’s not helpful, you’ll be stopping talented people from other ethnic groups from competing and the winner will always be seen as someone who wasn’t good enough to succeed any other way. Leaving aside the fundamental flaw in this argument, in that it confuses the issue of opportunity with that of talent, and doesn’t recognise that often talented people from these groups are up against additional obstacles which have traditionally made it more difficult for them to participate; there are already many instances where government funding is used for specific groups, whether for a specific ethnic group or section of society like job seekers, so why not for a literary prize?
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Dreamgirls (12A)
What’s it about?
Musical based on the Motown years, centring on the rise and rise of a trio of black female singers the Dreamettes who manage to ‘crossover’ from a black fan base to a wider market. The group freakily mirror The Supremes, though we are told that this is not based on them – see what you think.
Highs n lows
Wow! If I had to sum this up in one word that’s the one I’d use. Everything about this film is amazing. The costumes, the make up, the sets, everything was given that distinctive Motown touch. Matched by an all star cast including Beyonce Knowles (Deena Jones/any similarity to Diana Ross??), Danny Glover (Marty Madison), Jamie Foxx (Curtis Taylor Jr /possible similarity to Berry Gordy??), and Eddie Murphy who is pure class as Marvin Gaye type character James 'Thunder' Early (I didn’t realise he had such a singing voice on him!!) But the real revelation of this film was newcomer Jennifer Hudson (Effie White), what a voice! Just hearing her belt out those tunes will set the hairs on the back of your neck on end. The music is pure sixties R N B with which will have your toes tapping all night, to a racing script that deftly paints the greed and monopoly on the American music business at that time, and single mindedness that was needed to get to the top. It will keep you mesmerised.
Is it any good?
5 out of 5 – Out in the UK February 2007. Winner of Golden Globe Awards 2006 Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.
Musical based on the Motown years, centring on the rise and rise of a trio of black female singers the Dreamettes who manage to ‘crossover’ from a black fan base to a wider market. The group freakily mirror The Supremes, though we are told that this is not based on them – see what you think.
Highs n lows
Wow! If I had to sum this up in one word that’s the one I’d use. Everything about this film is amazing. The costumes, the make up, the sets, everything was given that distinctive Motown touch. Matched by an all star cast including Beyonce Knowles (Deena Jones/any similarity to Diana Ross??), Danny Glover (Marty Madison), Jamie Foxx (Curtis Taylor Jr /possible similarity to Berry Gordy??), and Eddie Murphy who is pure class as Marvin Gaye type character James 'Thunder' Early (I didn’t realise he had such a singing voice on him!!) But the real revelation of this film was newcomer Jennifer Hudson (Effie White), what a voice! Just hearing her belt out those tunes will set the hairs on the back of your neck on end. The music is pure sixties R N B with which will have your toes tapping all night, to a racing script that deftly paints the greed and monopoly on the American music business at that time, and single mindedness that was needed to get to the top. It will keep you mesmerised.
Is it any good?
5 out of 5 – Out in the UK February 2007. Winner of Golden Globe Awards 2006 Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Death Knell for Harry Potter??
There’s been a lot of speculation about whether or not the latest Harry Potter novel will be the last.
Speculation has come about due to the novel’s title ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, and J K Rowling reportedly hinting that two characters are expected to die in the finale - and Harry himself might not survive - saying: "We are dealing with pure evil here. "They don't target extras, do they? They go for the main characters - well, I do."
Personally, I’m not going to be so quick to add my voice to the speculation. I may be a cynic, but come on, if you were on to such a money spinner, would you be so quick to call it a day? Still the rumours have been great for pre-sales which have gone through roof, pushing it to the top of Amazon’s chart since December 23rd, and of course for the bookies who are taking bets on who might kill Harry. Is this nothing more than a good PR stunt? Well we might have to wait a while, as publishers Bloomsbury, are keeping very quiet about the publication date, which might not even be this year…
Speculation has come about due to the novel’s title ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, and J K Rowling reportedly hinting that two characters are expected to die in the finale - and Harry himself might not survive - saying: "We are dealing with pure evil here. "They don't target extras, do they? They go for the main characters - well, I do."
Personally, I’m not going to be so quick to add my voice to the speculation. I may be a cynic, but come on, if you were on to such a money spinner, would you be so quick to call it a day? Still the rumours have been great for pre-sales which have gone through roof, pushing it to the top of Amazon’s chart since December 23rd, and of course for the bookies who are taking bets on who might kill Harry. Is this nothing more than a good PR stunt? Well we might have to wait a while, as publishers Bloomsbury, are keeping very quiet about the publication date, which might not even be this year…
Babel (15)
What’s it about?
A heart wrenching tale of four families whose lives are suddenly intertwined by a rifle. A bullet fired irresponsibly by a young boy unleashes a tragic chain of events that has a significant impact on all of their lives.
Highs n lows
Although a great idea and meticulously crafted, for me this was a very slow storyline that never really got going. The story is told in vignettes, starting from the present looping back through the past and finishing where you started. The script very cleverly and minutely links four families from very different walks of life: a Moroccan goat herd, an illegal immigrant to the USA, a Japanese businessman and an American couple. But to my mind it could have been cut by a good half hour, which would have sped up the action without losing any of the detail vital to the plot.
Unsurprisingly, having been filmed on location in Mexico Morocco, the US and Tokyo, it has a very authentic feel with extremely well-rounded characters that you can largely empathise with. Add to this impressive performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett as the American couple Richard and Susan, whose relationship is shown in brief but telling scenes, dissolving from brittle animosity to touching and achingly close shots that grab you by the gut, in one of the most believable performances I’ve seen since Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Idi Amin. Mix in the realism of a couple of non professional locals as the two Moroccan brothers and the determined and loving portrayal of Mexican nanny Amelia, played by Adriana Barraza, and you have a telling multicultural cocktail that makes a strong statement about the irresponsible use of guns, and the impact of the excesses of the US authorities. The only down side was the over long scenes involving the deaf mute Japanese girl (did someone got carried away with the cinematography there ??)
One quick health warning, I wouldn’t watch this if you’re feeling down, it’s likely to make you feel worse.
Is it any good?
3 out of 5. Note: some nudity. 2006 Golden Globe Awards Best Motion Picture - Drama
A heart wrenching tale of four families whose lives are suddenly intertwined by a rifle. A bullet fired irresponsibly by a young boy unleashes a tragic chain of events that has a significant impact on all of their lives.
Highs n lows
Although a great idea and meticulously crafted, for me this was a very slow storyline that never really got going. The story is told in vignettes, starting from the present looping back through the past and finishing where you started. The script very cleverly and minutely links four families from very different walks of life: a Moroccan goat herd, an illegal immigrant to the USA, a Japanese businessman and an American couple. But to my mind it could have been cut by a good half hour, which would have sped up the action without losing any of the detail vital to the plot.
Unsurprisingly, having been filmed on location in Mexico Morocco, the US and Tokyo, it has a very authentic feel with extremely well-rounded characters that you can largely empathise with. Add to this impressive performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett as the American couple Richard and Susan, whose relationship is shown in brief but telling scenes, dissolving from brittle animosity to touching and achingly close shots that grab you by the gut, in one of the most believable performances I’ve seen since Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Idi Amin. Mix in the realism of a couple of non professional locals as the two Moroccan brothers and the determined and loving portrayal of Mexican nanny Amelia, played by Adriana Barraza, and you have a telling multicultural cocktail that makes a strong statement about the irresponsible use of guns, and the impact of the excesses of the US authorities. The only down side was the over long scenes involving the deaf mute Japanese girl (did someone got carried away with the cinematography there ??)
One quick health warning, I wouldn’t watch this if you’re feeling down, it’s likely to make you feel worse.
Is it any good?
3 out of 5. Note: some nudity. 2006 Golden Globe Awards Best Motion Picture - Drama
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Golden Globe Award Winners 2006
In another step towards this February’s Oscar ceremony, half of last night’s Best Performance awards at the 2006 Golden Globe ceremony, were taken by black actors:
Forest Whitaker took Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, for Last King of Scotland
Eddie Murphy was awarded Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, for Dreamgirls
Jennifer Hudson got Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for Dreamgirls
It remains to be seen if this is a trend we’ll see repeated at Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony next month.
In a nod to two doyens of the big screen, let’s not forget to raise a glass to Helen Mirren who took the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, for The Queen.
Forest Whitaker took Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, for Last King of Scotland
Eddie Murphy was awarded Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, for Dreamgirls
Jennifer Hudson got Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for Dreamgirls
It remains to be seen if this is a trend we’ll see repeated at Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony next month.
In a nod to two doyens of the big screen, let’s not forget to raise a glass to Helen Mirren who took the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, for The Queen.
Monday, January 15, 2007
50 Cent in Book Deal
In yet another change of direction, 50 Cent has added publishing as another string to his multi-million dollar business empire. In a joint venture with MTV/Pocket Books, his new line of "gritty and true-to-life," hip-hop novellas launches this month under his G-Unit Books label, with 3 titles: Death Before Dishonor by Nikki Turner, Baby Brother by Noire and The Ski Mask Way by K. Elliot.
In 2005 the rapper turned actor earned almost $41 million dollars (£21,037,724), from record sales and branding deals that include a clothing line, a line of sneakers, a video game and his G-Unit line of clothing.
In 2005 the rapper turned actor earned almost $41 million dollars (£21,037,724), from record sales and branding deals that include a clothing line, a line of sneakers, a video game and his G-Unit line of clothing.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Costa Book Awards Category Winning Authors
The work of five authors based in Britain and Ireland was recognised this week when the Costa Book Awards 2006 (Formally the Whitbread Book Awards) announced their category winning authors. They were:
2006 Costa First Novel Award winner
Stef Penney - The Tenderness of Wolves
2006 Costa Novel Award winner
William Boyd - Restless
2006 Costa Children's Book Award winner
Linda Newbery - Set in Stone
2006 Costa Poetry Award winner
John Haynes - Letter to Patience
2006 Costa Biography Award winner
Brian Thompson - Keeping Mum
Established in 1971 by Whitbread Plc, the Awards celebrate the most enjoyable books from the last year by writers based in the UK and Ireland. The overall winner will be named at a ceremony in London in February.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
The Pursuit of Happyness (12A)
What’s it about?
Will Smith and his son Jaden Christopher Syre Smith bring to life the true story of Chris Gardener; a Salesman who overcomes serious odds including homelessness, jail time and a broken marriage, to train as a stockbroker whilst taking care of his 5 year old son.
Highs n lows
This is real inspiration for anyone who’s having a hard time of it, and is
as much a testament of the relationship that Will Smith has with his son, as of his acting abilities. The pair make the film, the other roles including Thandie Newton’s are really just bit parts. The relationship is as enthralling as the story which is the epitomy of the American Dream.
I saw this with two fellas and they both admitted to ‘slight moisture around the eyes’ at the end of this one. Dads out there this is one for you.
Quote to note:
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something … You got a dream, you gotta protect it … If you want something, go get it. Period.”
Is it any good?
4 and a half out of 5
Will Smith and his son Jaden Christopher Syre Smith bring to life the true story of Chris Gardener; a Salesman who overcomes serious odds including homelessness, jail time and a broken marriage, to train as a stockbroker whilst taking care of his 5 year old son.
Highs n lows
This is real inspiration for anyone who’s having a hard time of it, and is
as much a testament of the relationship that Will Smith has with his son, as of his acting abilities. The pair make the film, the other roles including Thandie Newton’s are really just bit parts. The relationship is as enthralling as the story which is the epitomy of the American Dream.
I saw this with two fellas and they both admitted to ‘slight moisture around the eyes’ at the end of this one. Dads out there this is one for you.
Quote to note:
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something … You got a dream, you gotta protect it … If you want something, go get it. Period.”
Is it any good?
4 and a half out of 5
Friday, January 12, 2007
Tipped for 2007
I realise you’ve probably had a belly full of best of worst of 2006 so as we’re now well into 2007, I won’t go there, so instead here’s a quick don’t miss list for the first quarter of 2007.
Best in Film
I Feel privileged to have seen such a wide range of films over the past few months, some well before their UK release dates. But if I had to choose just one must see for this Winter? I’d have a hard time choosing between Dreamgirls and Last King of Scotland. Dreamgirls left me with serious goose bumps, bedazzled and with aching feet from the amount of tapping they did throughout the film. On the other hand Forest Whitaker’s performance as Idi Amin really blew me away and just has to get my top vote.
Last King is out in the UK in January, Dreamgirls in February.
Also out first quarter of 2007 and worth a look if you can spare the time are:
Venus
Blood Diamond
Fast food nation
Babel
Bobby
Bamako (didn’t catch it during BFI but will be seeing it)
Check out my reviews on this site for more on these.
Best in Books
So that’s the best in film, what about the best in books? Well I have to say my top tip for 2007 if you’ve not already got it has to be Bernadine Evaristo’s Emperor’s Babe – if you didn’t’ check it out back in October, do it now and let me know what you think.
If it’s the best sellers you’re more interested in, the top UK best sellers at the end of 2006 were:
The Sound of Laughter – Peter Kay
Why don’t penguins’ feet freeze
The Devil Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger
Let me know if you think any of the above’s worth reviewing.
Best in Film
I Feel privileged to have seen such a wide range of films over the past few months, some well before their UK release dates. But if I had to choose just one must see for this Winter? I’d have a hard time choosing between Dreamgirls and Last King of Scotland. Dreamgirls left me with serious goose bumps, bedazzled and with aching feet from the amount of tapping they did throughout the film. On the other hand Forest Whitaker’s performance as Idi Amin really blew me away and just has to get my top vote.
Last King is out in the UK in January, Dreamgirls in February.
Also out first quarter of 2007 and worth a look if you can spare the time are:
Venus
Blood Diamond
Fast food nation
Babel
Bobby
Bamako (didn’t catch it during BFI but will be seeing it)
Check out my reviews on this site for more on these.
Best in Books
So that’s the best in film, what about the best in books? Well I have to say my top tip for 2007 if you’ve not already got it has to be Bernadine Evaristo’s Emperor’s Babe – if you didn’t’ check it out back in October, do it now and let me know what you think.
If it’s the best sellers you’re more interested in, the top UK best sellers at the end of 2006 were:
The Sound of Laughter – Peter Kay
Why don’t penguins’ feet freeze
The Devil Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger
Let me know if you think any of the above’s worth reviewing.
Did I say a few days? I think I meant a couple of weeks!
Okay, I hold my hands up I massively underestimated the amount of time it would take to get myself vaguely back on track whilst also looking after a new baby. For anyone who took me at my word and checked back every few days thank you for your patience and your messages of congrats.
I hope 2007 has been good to you all so far and has plenty more good in store. Filmwise there’s definitely some treats to look forward to, so check back this week for my top picks to catch this Winter. Book fans I hear there’s rumours of a couple of big launches this year, mum’s the word (no pun promise) for now but all will be revealed soon.
WOIM
I hope 2007 has been good to you all so far and has plenty more good in store. Filmwise there’s definitely some treats to look forward to, so check back this week for my top picks to catch this Winter. Book fans I hear there’s rumours of a couple of big launches this year, mum’s the word (no pun promise) for now but all will be revealed soon.
WOIM
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