In this the year 2020, a small poem to make a record of the times - -

 

Christmas in the time of Covid

 

In the year of the virus, of lockdown, of pandemic and strife

In a year of counting the costs, of distance and trying to preserve life

We see now, as we head towards the year’s end

That not even Christmas may be able to make amends

 

 

We still wrap up against cold, we stock up and be merry

But to truly have good cheer this year – it will take more than sherry!

Oh Santa, he may still give gifts on Christmas Eve

But for the year 2020, can that offer reprieve?

 

 

This year has been one of Zoom calls, box sets and Boris’ briefings

Of staying in, no commutes and home-schooled teachings

Banana bread triumphs, or perhaps baking disasters!

When visors, sanitisers and bog roll were our masters

 

 

Now winter has hit, and hark – more misery hits our ears

Of never-ending restrictions, of so many tiers and growing fears

Still, the vaccine has come, we can still yet dare to hope

But as the year fades out, many struggle to cope

 

 

Yet the Yuletide remains, ever constant and present

We strive to ensure the festive season’s not unpleasant

Even though Covid’s made everything quite shit

Whilst Christmas is here, we can make the best of it

 

 

We remember folks we’ve lost, those who did unexpectedly fall

Their lives were taken so cruelly, we shall not forget them at all

These times make us depressed, down and alone; feeling we’ve lost the fight

Yet for those who remain with us, we hold onto them oh so tight

 

 

So yes, whilst you cannot keep Christmas how you might like

I hope there is time for you to be happy, before 2021 does strike

Though it’s been a hell of a year, I wish you happiness come what may

And while it might not feel normal, it’s still important to say

That though times are tough, out of the darkness I wish you light

And Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night…

 

 

 

RIP Geoffrey Palmer

1927 - 2020

 

Sean Connery Highlights

 Whatever you think of the life and career of Sir Sean Connery, if at all...there's no real denying his was a career and a style that was generation-defining. Iconic, powerful, and oh so Scottish. Legions of films and legions of fans he had, and whilst not all his films were successes or even appreciated, there were some true pearls in his back catalogue.

Whilst I am by no means a fan of everything he did, here I've picked out a few highlights, no ratings, no real critiques - just some favourites and why --

BOND...JAMES BOND (Dr. No/From Russia With Love/Goldfinger/Thunderball/You Only Live Twice/Diamonds are Forever/Never Say Never Again)

You can only really start here when it comes to Sean Connery. The tux, the guns, the gadgets, the DB5, the women, the villains, the style, the charm, that theme tune and those iconic words. Of their time certainly, but for so many Sean Connery is and always will be Bond.

With one character over several years and films, Connery didn't so much as re-invent but invent what the action blockbuster should and could be, rendering James Bond as the ultimate yardstick that all action films created since are judged. And it was all lead by him. Even when he returned latterly as a bit of a joke in Never Say Never, the Connery 007 magic was still there, and it probably always will be.

INDIANA JONES & THE LAST CRUSADE

Another franchise Connery was welcomed into was that of the Indy films. To me and I'm sure to most, he was perfectly cast as Henry Jones Snr. - the uptight, ludicrous yet fiercely intelligent, charming and funny father to Harrison Ford's iconic character. To me the third film of this series is by far the best, and most of that is down to Connery. The on-screen pairing of the two results in insanely watchable chemistry, and a great almost timeless film to boot.

FIRST KNIGHT

By the time this one came out in 1995, Connery's reputation and talent was well and truly established. Yes he still had the shadow, positive and negative of Bond overlooking him, but he had also proved himself to be a staunchly dependable and greatly talented actor in his own right.

There are many things about First Knight that did not and do not sit well with audiences then and now; indeed I can think of a few other interpretations of Arthurian legend on screen that I find to be far better. But any positive elements are found, clung to, enhanced and lead by Sean Connery as King Arthur. To me, he makes this film in the sense that he saves it, resulting in a watch that is maybe not timeless but still certainly enjoyable, thanks to his quality and gravitas as an actor.

ENTRAPMENT

Fast forward a few years to 1999, and we were approaching what would be Connery's final few years before his retirement from acting.

Though maybe slightly past his Bond best, this is still a very enjoyable film. Again he provides one half of a great double act - this time opposite a young Catherine Zeta Jones and again the result is great chemistry. This is a slick, well thought out crime caper film in it's own right, but it is also given another edge in the form of the sizzling, sassy, funny, elegant and grand pairing of two great acting talents.

Here Connery's role is slightly blurred to feature that of mentor, friend, wise sage, slick criminal, lover and fighter - but he still does it with aplomb and the result is a great film that I happily return to over twenty years later.

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN

This film from 2003 certainly represented Sean Connery's twilight years as an actor. Indeed, it was his last feature film and the one that famously resulted in him retiring from acting and Hollywood as he apparently didn't really understand the script and found it "nonsense".

And yet, I did and do rather enjoy it. Another one I happily return to - I still think there is great charm, action and fun to be had in this film. OK the cast is certainly more of an ensemble, but Connery is immediately by far and away the stand out leader and star. He still deals with the action like it was the 1960s, still delivers great charm and panache with every line (and every raise of that brow) and still brings his unique brand of character to the piece. This film gave us a taste of what Connery could do in the realms of modern, technological film-making, and I still feel he could have given a lot more. But as a swansong I don't think it was that bad at all, and it was a pretty good end to what was and will always be a great career filled with great screen moments that people will forever enjoy again and again.