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.

RIP Sir Sean Connery

 

1930 - 2020 

RIP Bobby Ball

 

1944 - 2020

RIP Rodney Litchfield

 

1939 - 2020

RIP Dame Diana Rigg

 

1938 - 2020

A look back at...some classic kids' TV

Again due to lockdown, I have had the chance to relive my youth a tad, and re-watch some of my favourite childhood TV shows, to see if they still pass mustard and to see if they still hold my interest today... 

POKÉMON 

I am fully aware that the Pokémon TV series is in now way ended, even today. This particular anime phenomenon is soon approaching a quarter of a century old, with countless revamps and new look series in the can ( a la Power Rangers and the like - another classic bit of kids TV). However, mine was the generation of the original episodes, and it is those that I have glanced over and watched quite a few of again recently via Pokémon TV online.

The first two seasons I have re-watched to be exact (that's the Indigo League and the Orange Island episodes for you Poké - fans). Not all of the episodes have had a second look as some I just found fluff, but the broad strokes and main episodes I have re-watched: showing the journey of Ash Ketchum and his friends on their quest to catch and see every pocket monster (get it) and to "catch 'em all". This really is as much as my childhood self could take before becoming bored of the format - though that's still hundreds of episodes!

That really is the main problem looking back, yes there was enough appealing colour, variety and adventure (and an actually quite kick ass soundtrack I newly re-discover) to keep one entertained for a while, but a lot of it seemed like filler and too geared towards the ever growing trend from the 90s onward, where children's TV was geared towards branding and merchandising rather than quality stories. 

For the many still devoted fans, this original run is vital in the mythology, and for nostalgia is worth another watch, but new fans watching the 25th season may not be missing that much if they do not watch what has gone on before.

GARGOYLES

Witty, dark, gritty, powerful, well-animated with an awesome cast and genuinely clever scripts; Gargoyles really is a lost gem from a forgotten age. An age where the makers of children's TV did not patronise them, knew they could handle slightly deeper, slightly more meaningful, and perhaps even slightly scarier stories, as well as the action and the adventure. 

Focusing on a group of Gargoyles from the age of the Vikings, brought into the modern (mid-90s Manhattan) world and are forced to adapt to a world where magic and myth is forgotten but where heroes are needed more than ever, this series was and actually remains a highlight for me.

OK, if I'm being picky the series went on for a tad too long and a few of the episodes suffered for it, but on the other hand I would have been happy to see it go on for a few more seasons too. It was that good - genuinely intelligent scripts for children to digest, brought to wonderful life by a cast who many a Star Trek fan would recognise, this truly was a classic.

X-MEN: EVOLUTION

Before Marvel stories and media were the stuff of multi-billion dollar industries, there were a lot of attempts to keep the characters firmly grounded in the world of kids' TV, and understandably the wonderful world of the multi-layered, multi-powered mutants that were the X-Men were especially popular. Following the now iconic 1990s technicolor series, there came X-Men: Evolution, and early noughties attempt to re-vamp and portray an edgier and slicker side to the X-Men for children.

Broadly speaking, I feel it worked. Over 4 seasons, with scripts that more or less followed the classic comic stories and gave them a new interpretation fans old and new of Marvel got to enjoy this one. Again very occasionally the episodes got slightly silly, but mostly the series was quite grown up in its approach and the results responded to that. My only other criticism is that there wasn't quite enough grit and darkness in some of the action and drama created, although that may be the result of a lot more adult and mature visions of Marvel characters we have been treated to since.

Regrettably this show was cancelled before it was ready to bow out, and I am still in retrospect rather dismayed at that.

ANIMALS OF FARTHING WOOD

Ah...now...what can I say? This is pure classic, and pure class. For me, from when I was very young indeed, probably only 4 or 5. And it is still I think, one of the best pieces of children's TV ever made.

Based on some equally classic novels by Colin Dann, a beautifully enchanting and clever concept - namely that of following a group of animals who have sworn to protect each other when they have to flee their home in search of another, and the trials they face when they get there. But again, this is by no means a series that shies away from showing children tough subjects, death in various and often grizzly forms regularly occur, as do violence, vengeance, old age, war, famine, terror and peril - all are part and parcel of each episode - rather realistically, if dramatically portraying animal's daily struggle for survival. However, in each episode there also lies truth, love, beauty, harmony, humour and uplift.

A great cast, lovely animation, and a stirring soundtrack to boot. If I were to pick a favourite from my childhood this would be it. A true classic that I don't think I will ever get tired of re-visiting again and again.

RIP Chadwick Boseman

 

RIP Chadwick Boseman

1976 - 2020 

"Wakanda forever!"

Knives Out

One of the last movie mania crazes of last year and into the early part of this before Covid-19 ground everything to a halt was this - the self-claimed revamping and re-imagining of a classic whodunit: Knives Out.

Thing is - to my mind it actually was. Stylish, intuitive, original, genuinely twisty and turny, very cleverly conceived and executed, hilarious at times too, with an awesome cast to boot. 

There isn't really much to say here except - watch the damn thing. I'm sorry I only just got around to watching it on DVD.

Nothing is too overdone, nothing too over-pitched or executed to such a degree that it boggles the mind of the viewer and you just get tired of watching it. However that does not mean you can afford to be complacent, for this film does not treat its viewers like idiots either - you have to be on your toes with this one. Yet the feel of the action, the murder and the mystery is not pompous and grandiose like some mystery genre films of old have been, nor is it that melodramatic, though its themes and characters are colourful to say the least. However the effect is pleasantly warm and reassuring, as this film guides you with a helping hand through the action as far as you need to go to enjoy the ride of what I feel is one of the most originally done films in years.

My only criticism is that of its incredible roster of acting talent - some of them (some, but not all) are slightly and rather criminally underused. However each of them slots into their role small or large with aplomb and just the right amount of flare. Ana de Armas is a new face to me and a pleasantly brilliant one, and it is nice to see Chris Evans carving up a superb character other than Cap. America. However the star turn for me by a mile is the irrepressible Daniel Craig as the brilliantly pitched and at times hilariously eccentric "master detective" of the piece. It's worth watching it just for him in his tweed suit and Kentucky accent, and I am not at all surprised to hear rumour has it that he is returning for a potential sequel.

Frivolous, feisty, frantic and a lot of fun - Knives Out has genuinely ripped up the rule book of the classic whodunit and has set a new standard for all those who seek to try hereafter.

 

Alex Rider

 

Yet another byproduct of lockdown - another binge of a TV series. This time it was another courtesy of an Amazon Prime original, and a concept I was intrigued by.

Like many a teenager I was a big fan of the Anthony Horowitz - penned Alex Rider young adult/teen novels; the stories of an ordinary secondary schoolboy thrust unwillingly into the world of espionage. So when I heard that Amazon had given it the eight episode series treatment, I was eager to watch, if nothing else to see if it could fair any better that the ill-fated Hollywood film attempt a decade or so ago.

And in a word - yes it did. Not bad at all. The end result for me was sort of a teenage story hurled into the typical tropes of what audiences now know to be a gritty, modern Brit thriller. The first books were written many years ago now, but the series was quite adept at bringing Alex Rider's origin story bang up to date with little problem (though as the story progressed some key elements staying meant the modern themes got a little blurry) and in not sticking directly to the flow and timeline of the novels (Point Blanc - the whole thread of this series was actually the title of the second novel not the first; one assumes they kept away from the firsts' title to detract from the aforementioned non-successful film) you don't get too wound up in detail and can let the story gather pace before your eyes.

The titular character is played by relative newcomer Otto Farrant. A tad arrogant and aloof and occasionally not giving the character the depth it deserves I thought, but overall he does fit the bill for Alex Rider and draws attention as the lead pretty well throughout. Well known names such as Vicky McClure and Stephen Dillane are a welcome addition and Nyasha Hatendi I thought was an unexpected joy. Though these plus points were countered by performances from the likes of Brenock O'Connor who seemed to be using as his prime source material for a British teen some sort of "ASBO depiction" from an early noughties government self-help film, and Ronke Adekoluejo as Jack Starbright - which at first seemed like a genius concept but eventually turned out to be a pale caricature of what her character should be.

That I feel is the main problem with this series, if you look too closely. On the one hand they have done a good job of packing in the action, the scenery, the suspense, the soundtrack, the themes and broad brush strokes of what a modern 21st century spy hit should be. But that's it, it is all just what it should look like; not much in the way of depth or originality is to be found when one looks deeper, so I feel it is best to not look too much at all and enjoy the relatively high-octane ride.

So - a good adaptation? Yes certainly. A good watch? Yes again. Better than the first attempt at an adaptation? Absolutely. Worth another series? Yes, but I think a lot more depth and a lot more power needs to be added, and a lot more done with the source material if they hope to make a series out of each book.

   

RIP Sydney Lotterby

1926 - 2020

The Grand Tour

What seems like eons ago - though actually it was five years ago in 2015 - I marked the sad end of an era, specifically the era of the BBC's Top Gear as then we knew it, when Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond left the show and indeed the BBC, apparently never to be seen again.

Pretty quickly, the BBC attempted to re-brand and relaunch Top Gear (the early efforts of which were met with pretty negative reviews, I was one of them on this blog) to varying effect, but eventually through several more rotations of presenters and styles, after the frankly brutal body blow of losing Clarkson and Co. the BBC institution seems to be once again finding its feet (possibly more detailed analysis of this will hit this here blog at a later date). And that's all well and good, and indeed welcomed - but what about the infamous trio? Were they destined to slink off into the ether, would they go their separate ways, would they ever drive on telly again?

Well, again pretty quickly - they were back too. Thanks to an obscene financial incentive from Amazon, and essentially carte blanche  to bring their tried and tested formula of mucking about, generating laughs and driving insanely lovely cars all over the globe back, and back with a bang.

Now, after finally succumbing to the subscription/streaming service maelstrom and dipping my toe rather retrospectively into the waters of Amazon Prime Video (due in no small part actually to the idea of catching up with several seasons of the Grand Tour) I have watched the series so far to see what all the fuss was about.

As far as I can see, it is pretty much what it always was, just more of the same - on steroids. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. Love them or hate them there is no denying Clarkson Hammond and May entertained legions globally for years with Top Gear, so if you hate them or the way they do things - you didn't and don't need to watch them on Amazon, and if you appreciate what they do - then this will be right up your street.

Yes, from start to finish the rather obscene commercialism and big-budget production values that Amazon brings to the party is a bit akin to a slap around the jaw, especially if you cling to traditional BBC values that made the original "poky motoring show" so charming a little too tightly. And yes, the format of the show took a while to stick and to resonate with viewers it seems - items such as a crazed stereotypical NASCAR driver in series one, and the series initially hopping from country to country per episode for no real reason other than it could and to spread the brand may not have sat well with everyone. 

Regardless, despite the bluster and bravado, despite the very overt and at times over the top commercialisation - The Grand Tour is still quite shrewd and clever at mostly sticking to its core values, and to what audiences have loved to see long before The Grand Tour's inception: three middle aged man driving fast and cocking about.

And do you know what? For me, it still works. It is still watchable, it is still lovable and for an hour or so each episode mostly brings a smile to your face. You still want to watch it. Admittedly it was not lost on me that Clarkson and May are approaching 60 and Hammond (the one time wide-eyed youth of the trio) is 50. The wary side of me says that this is not the time of life for these three men to be involved not only in the vast commercialism and insane marketing schedules that the big hit that is now The Grand Tour demands, let alone the ridiculous stunts and challenges the show dreams up for them. But then I think - sod it of course they can! For one thing they're being paid a rumoured sum of one million pounds per episode each by Amazon, so for that they can at least not act their age and cock about for a bit longer than is seemly, and for another - it is still what legions of fans globally like to see, me amongst them. So much so that by the end of series 3, when the trio stood on stage and declared that it was finally the end for them, i.e the old Top Gear/Grand Tour format of the three of them doing weekly episodes with challenges, reviews, chat and track pieces was finally over - I like many fans and the presenters themselves, felt genuinely wistful and sad; nostalgic for what had gone by and grateful that it had been. Yes we are promised a new format in a series of random specials, starting with the "Seamen" episode and more promised, though who knows when due to the ongoing Covid situation?

However, as an extension of what Top Gear was, and an outlet for showing off what the trio still had to give with an essentially unlimited budget, for me The Grand Tour works, and still just about deserves the hype and success it has achieved and no doubt will go on to garner still.

Mum's List

Another film I discovered by accident, via late night on the BBC a little while ago - but one I am so glad I did.

Based on a true story - this tells the tale of Kate; an upbeat, loving, charming, beautiful and devoted wife and mother (brought stunningly to life by Emilia Fox) who upon learning that she is dying, prepares her husband Singe (Rafe Spall) and her two children for what will come, and decides to help them in adjusting to life and enjoying it to the full, even after she's gone.

It is exceedingly rare that I cry when watching any film or piece of TV, as in actually shed tears - but this is one of those rare occasions. Such a beautiful and heart-wrenching concept, delivered and presented in a totally non-fussy, simple and completely melodrama-free fashion; and the results are broadly brilliant. The fact that it is based on a true story neither detracts or enhances for me, it just is something added. It is a rarely pure and warming story, full stop.

Rafe Spall occasionally (but rarely) doesn't hit the right emotional note, and the many flashback scenes of the two protagonists, whilst necessary are occasionally over-egged, but really in terms of any complaints or things that didn't quite hit home for me: that's it. Wonderfully routed in Somerset in almost every way, stunning cinematography and scenery, a brilliantly used and delightful soundtrack, superb performances almost across the board make for a film that is beautifully tearful, and saddening in it's joy.

Film Round Up

 

I freely confess there have been A LOT of great films (and some not so, in my opinion) that have been released since I blogged here. Some potential reviews of mine, for what they are have probably been lost to the ether, and some may still be to come - but to begin to address the situation - here's a quick round up of a few...

ADULT LIFE SKILLS

This film is admittedly a few years old, but I have only just discovered it. It features a pre-Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker (Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor will almost certainly be making a future appearance here, not to worry) as a 30-year old woman in deepest Yorkshire, who lives in her mum's shed at the bottom of the garden. What sounds like an incredibly simplistic premise results in a true gem. Gut-wrenchingly heart-breaking, hilariously comical, gutsy, earthy, very northern, very British barnstormer; that's how I can best describe it.

Gloriously crafted by writer and director Rachel Tunnard - this is one of those rare things in a film that genuinely made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions, and that thoroughly uplifted me by the end. It is just lovely.

The cast, to a man woman and child is perfect. Jodie Whittaker leads effortlessly, Alice Lowe is a genius addition, Lorraine Ashbourne is superb and newcomer the young Ozzy Myers is an extremely gifted child actor who has what I feel to be that rare gift (see an archived column piece to your left featuring why just firing child actors into the mix is often hit and miss) of being fully capable of carrying a cast and a film - he is honest, seems wise beyond his years and his rapport with Jodie Whittaker is strangely beautiful and pure to watch.

Believe me, unearthing this rare jewel of a film will be well worth it.




CHICKEN RUN

OK - this is truly an oldie; I can't believe it's now twenty years old?! But Chicken Run is that rare thing of an animation that can be appreciated on some level by pretty much anyone.

Representing one of the first tentative steps into feature films by the now legendary Aardman Animations, this film was a huge success upon release and has since become something of a cult classic, with an upcoming sequel generating a bit of tentative yet excitable hype.

Following a ragtag gang of farmed chickens and their ludicrous journey to freedom (another niche concept, I know) the resulting 84 minutes is pretty close to genius.

Featuring a brilliant voice cast (some of which do not always get the screen time they deserve sadly) led by Julia Sawalha and Mel Gibson - Chicken Run truly is a barnstorming and hilarious way to while a way an afternoon with some genuinely heartwarming animated loveliness. 





MAN UP

The brash, grating and potentially insensitive title aside, this film I still think has some plus points as a relatively new addition into the never-ending swirling and ever-expanding world of rom-com.

Again the concept is a simple, if rather far-fetched one - a case of mistaken identity on a blind date leads to chaos, laughs and a charming redemption and formation of a man and a woman, all set in 21st century London. OK, grand.

OK, maybe not so in that yes the idea behind this is pushing the limits and yes though Simon Pegg is solid in his leading man turn, he is a tad one-dimensional at times and doesn't seem to know what his character wants at any given time, despite the scripts' assurances to the contrary. And yes it does all seem a bit rushed by the end.

However, yes...the soundtrack and imagery is belting at times, yes there are some great supporting characters given life by the brilliant likes of Ken Stott, Olivia Williams and hilariously Rory Kinnear (though again the latter ventures into the cartoonish and slightly non-believable but good all the same).

Good or bad, hit or miss however, the whole thing in my opinion is held together and often carried by the brilliance of Lake Bell, who I find encapsulates a struggling, depressed dour yet feisty flirty and determined 30-something British lady in 2015 rather well. If any element shines in this one, for me it is her well and truly.

SUICIDE SQUAD

Past reads of this blog will inform you that on balance, I am definitely more of a Marvel man than DC - in terms of comics and their big screen adaptations.

However, in this anti-hero DC extended universe ensemble pic, there were some plus points; enough at least to warrant a few re-watches over the years.

This 2016 flick saw a group of villains formed to combat a common threat whilst dangling tenuous links to various other Superman/Batman pictures of the time and serving as origin stories for some characters too.

There were a quite a few misses to be seen if you look too closely, such as Viola Davis on the one hand giving gravitas and presence to proceedings, but also being far too hammy and cliched as a hard ass administrator, or talents like David Harbour hardly getting a look in.

However there were some plus points -

Will Smith may seem like a poor fit for this sort of film, but he does just about pull it off as Deadshot (although often none too subtly at the expense of others' screen time) and I think Jared Leto didn't do too badly in revamping the iconic Joker, following the Oscar-winning Heath Ledger.

However it is largely agreed that the stand out of this film was Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. For the actress it helped her go from strength to strength as one of the most coveted and respected talents in Hollywood, and it introduced a zany, ludicrous, dark, damaged, sexy, funny and sparkly character that is just how the comic book creation should be on screen - so much so Robbie has since starred in her own spin-off movie focusing more on Quinn.

As comic book movies go, DC or otherwise - this one ain't bad.

RIP Carl Reiner

1922 - 2020

RIP Sir Ian Holm

1931 - 2020

RIP Dame Vera Lynn

1917-2020

~We'll meet again~

Finding Your Feet

Again this is a film I have only just discovered recently, and it is sort of another attempt at the romantic comedy canon, but unusually it does have a distinctive flavour to it all of its own.

I think, in summary that nuance is to be found in the fact that this film makes no apology for focusing on the numerous factors of getting on in life, and of the numerous hardships that life throws at you, and the different ways people find to carry on regardless.

A quite remarkable cast is led by the sublime Imelda Staunton as a settled woman who's established way of life is shattered in her autumn years and we see how she has to drastically readjust with her sister, played beautifully by Celia Imrie, and friends.

I believe the charm in this film, lies in its unabashed featuring of the mundane and heightening it with its wonderful cast - sometimes subtlety and sometimes not. Yes, occasionally it's supporting cast are not used to the best of their ability - David Hayman and John Sessions for example seem a tad one dimensional. But really, the main characters are executed rather wonderfully and unapologetically - resulting in a marvellous, mischievous, alluring and powerful Imelda Staunton, a sassy, sexy, vulnerable and lovely Celia Imrie and a grounded, charming, doeful and gritty Timothy Spall (even Joanna Lumley comes into her own in showing a different side to her in her few scenes) and most of the time the results are very good to watch.

Future classic? Hmm maybe not. But a charming British romantic comedy that gives one pleasure to watch? Absolutely.

Again catching up, this is a poem I wrote a couple of years ago - -

The Many Faces of Alone

 

Alone is your mind, your space, your hole in the dark

It’s your refuge, your hideaway, your safety; it’s where you make your mark

Alone is your home, your first thought and last stand, it’s where you can be you

It’s your common theme, your default setting. It may be sad but it’s true

 

 

Alone is also your champion, your boost, your pick me up when I’m down

Alone can be laughing to yourself, a cheeky smile to wipe away your frown

Alone is your friend and your lover, your father and your mother; the feather in your cap

Alone keeps you focused, keeps you going. Alone can keep you on track

 

 

Alone is anger, it is despair, it is rage against the dying light

It is your sorrow, it is your misery, and it is your fear when you have no more fight

Alone is your tears, your anguish, and your hall in which to cry

Alone will keep you imprisoned, when all you want to do is fly

 

 

 

Alone is your wisdom, your glory and your power

Alone can be your victory, stood atop your shining tower

Alone is reflection, happiness in your feat

Alone can be job done, battle won, challenge accepted and complete

 

Alone is suffering in silence, the battlefield of the mind

Alone is you cowering in the corner when the world is so unkind

Alone is depression, recession, regression – it’s something you cannot escape

Alone is when you have no more hope, when it is all too much to take

 

Alone can be a good book, a great film, a cheeky little nap

It can be a solo drive, a breath of fresh air, or your dog lying in your lap

Alone can be a song in the moonlight, skipping stones on the shore or dancing in the dark

Alone may be a sunset bench, a fireside chair or chilling in the park

 

Alone is your resistance, your passion, your strength and your steel

Alone can be what bounces you back, full of zest and full of zeal

Alone is you saying “no more”, “that all you got?” and “do your worst” too

Alone can really be all you need, to help you say – “hey world: fuck you!”

 

 

 

 

Alone can be those you loved and lost, with you forever and a day

Alone can be all the moments that you regret, filling you with shame and dismay

Alone can also be a reminder of lighter moments, of sweeter times gone by

Alone can let you choose to laugh, when you might be moved to cry

 

Alone is at your shoulder, with you every night and day

If it’s just yourself, or in a crowd of hundreds, alone is there come what may

Alone sneaks up without notice. Alone is ready and always there

Even if you can forget for just a moment, alone stays when you are not aware

 

Alone is with you whether you walk or run, when you stand in light or in dark

Old or young, fat or thin, rich or poor, happy or sad – alone cannot tell us apart

So alone is with you however you feel, thus on you it truly all depends

For alone may or may not be how your song started, but alone is how it ends

October 2018

STAGED

It so happens that my decision to at least partially return to the world of blogging just so happens to coincide with the Covid-19 based lockdown. Who new?

A few months into this situation and the world is becoming already used to the idea of "lockdown TV" being the new way any novelty is achieved through entertainment. I confess, I haven't bought into that much of it - preferring to binge watch series or films the old fashioned way, if that's even still possible. One thing I have enjoyed (and something I devoured very quickly via BBC iPlayer) was the new lockdown series of comedy drama shorts - Staged, lead by the ever-brilliant duo of David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

Capitalizing on the pair's established friendship and insane levels of on-screen chemistry (see Amazon's Good Omens, a TV highlight that occurred during my blogging exile - possible retrospective review to come?) this series gets very meta very quickly - seeing all the characters play "versions" of themselves (think a lockdown version of The Trip, without the overly egotistical savagery and glamorous locations) as actors who have been home-bound without being able to produce a play they're about to star in, and try to "rehearse" via everyone's favourite online convo enabler Zoom.

Devised, directed and indeed also staring renowned director Simon Evans (not the comedian) and also starring the respective spouses of the two leading chaps Georgia Tennant and Anna Lundberg as well as some truly awesome and insanely hilarious lockdown cameos - this series is a real treat, limits of technology or not.

Despite the brilliant array of faces that pop up on screen, Tennant and Sheen (or is that Sheen and Tennant?...You'll get it if you watch it) carry off the whole thing with aplomb.Over six 15-20 minute shorts the result is charming, very funny and I would say just the tonic that is needed about now.

Returning...

To any of you who have ever paid this humble little blog a visit, thank you earnestly.

About three years ago, I mothballed this here blog for a variety of reasons, but I did say that at some point I would re-visit it as it gave me great pleasure to craft and contribute towards. Well, recently I have felt the inklings of the urge to take it up again.

So, without wishing to sound melodramatic - I'm back. 

Or I do believe I am - I'm not promising anything in terms of amounts of posts, or certainly quality of content going forward as the return will probably be phased and gradual...plus there is quite a bit of housekeeping to do looking back on previous posts etc. What's more I can't promise the future results will not still seem quite quaint, old-fashioned and subjective...but there ya go.

Thank you, and hopefully see you soon.

*DISCLAIMER*

Though it probably goes without saying, I'm going to say it anyway -

The words and opinions cited within this blog, past present and future - are my own.

I do not claim creation, ownership of any images, posters or clips - that credit belongs solely to the individuals, organisations, creators or others concerned.

Thank you