I think that Sofia Coppola may have peaked with Lost In Translation. Her new movie The Bling Ring was a huge disappointment. And it was such a good idea. But the whole thing ended up a mish mash of highly stylised editing which just made me want to get up and go.
I now normally avoid movies like Pacific Rim, packed full of CGI special effects, and humans fighting monsters. But this was a step up from the Transformers franchise thanks to having a director like Guillermo del Toro and his writing partner Travis Beacham. That is not to say that the dialogue is any good, far from it. But the story is reasonably original and the 3D visuals are the best I have seen. The fight sequences are not too long, thank goodness, and Idris Elbe is competent enough as the no nonsense boss.
The reviews for Now You See Me were not encouraging, so I was surprised to find what turned out to be a decent thriller about illusionists. A starry cast of fine actors do their best to turn a stodgy screenplay into something quite watchable. The set pieces are excitingly filmed and there is the twist at the end that I, for one, didn't see coming. Is that why the critics were so unhappy, that they too were taken in?
Monday, 29 July 2013
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Tring Book Club - The Great Gatsby and The Secret History
The Great Gatsby was a very different book than I thought it would be, but in a good way. It's reputation as F. Scott Fitzgerald's American classic had me believing it would be heavy, long and powerful, but what we get is a light, brief and delicate story of the decadence of the New York rich. Gatsby himself is a sympathetic character, as he has no real friends and is basically estranged from his family. He is a peripheral figure at his notorious parties, and hangs on to our young narrator Nick Carraway in the absence of anything more intimate. Nick is an engaging character, in awe of his rich friends, but not stupid enough to not know their faults. Fitzgerald's writing has a light and easy feel, how clever he is to make such a flimsy story so satisfyingly grand. Tom, Daisy and Jordan are all interestingly flawed, the common Wilson's are the counterpoint to their grandeur. I enjoyed it very much.
It was quite daunting for me, I had not read a novel of over 600 pages for a very long time. But Donna Tartt's The Secret History is a wonderful book is not one word too long. I know nothing about Ancient Greece, the language or Greek Gods, but the class in that mysterious subject that our narrator, Richard Pappen, joins is never less than absorbing. The setting is Hampden College, Vermont where Richard is amazed to find a class of only five other students and a maverick tutor. We know from the Prologue of two pages, that one of them is killed, and the first half of the book describes the events that lead up to his death. Life on campus is always entertaining, but even more so are the places where four of the six live outside college. The dialogue is smart and brilliantly written. The second half of the book covers the period after the death, as the lives of the remaining five begins to unravel. They are in for a torrid time. Donna Tartt has produced an outstanding piece of literature, a Greek Tragedy indeed.
It was quite daunting for me, I had not read a novel of over 600 pages for a very long time. But Donna Tartt's The Secret History is a wonderful book is not one word too long. I know nothing about Ancient Greece, the language or Greek Gods, but the class in that mysterious subject that our narrator, Richard Pappen, joins is never less than absorbing. The setting is Hampden College, Vermont where Richard is amazed to find a class of only five other students and a maverick tutor. We know from the Prologue of two pages, that one of them is killed, and the first half of the book describes the events that lead up to his death. Life on campus is always entertaining, but even more so are the places where four of the six live outside college. The dialogue is smart and brilliantly written. The second half of the book covers the period after the death, as the lives of the remaining five begins to unravel. They are in for a torrid time. Donna Tartt has produced an outstanding piece of literature, a Greek Tragedy indeed.
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Holiday in Northumberland
We did enjoy our previous holiday in Northumberland and Durham, but we never got further north than Hadrian's Wall. This time we based ourselves in the beautiful town on Alnwick. Alison had discovered a highly rated bed and breakfast establishment in the town, and it turned out to be one of the nicest places at which we have ever stayed.
Last time we took a plane to Newcastle and hired a car, but this time we drove. The journey turned out to be 4hours 45minutes, almost exactly what it takes every year to Cornwall, but seemed easier with mostly light traffic. On the way we called in at the National Trust property at Cragside set in the Northumberland National Park. But it was closed on Mondays. So we arrived in Alnwick late afternoon and had a stroll around the town in the sunshine before checking in to our b&b. There are plenty of places to eat in Alnwick, and we were only five minutes walk from the centre. We found a lovely Italian called Di Sopra. Great pastas and pizzas, all for £5.95 each. Fantastic value.
We had an early breakfast on Tuesday morning as we had to get to Seahouses to catch the 9.30 Billy Shiels boat for our all day bird watch on the Farne Islands that we had booked before we left home.
We had seen one of the Springwatch programmes some time ago when they visited these islands, so we knew it was somewhere special. It was only a short journey out to a very calm North Sea (how often does that happen) when the boat came to a stop below the cliffs of the first island. Here we had our first taste of what the day would be like, with hundreds of Guillemots above us.
We circled the island for a while before another short journey to another island where we stopped to look at the seals.
The boat then made for our first landing which would be Staple Island where we had two and a half hours. The main attraction here were the thousands of puffins. There were nesting in burrows in the softer ground, and were constantly flying close overhead to collect sand eels to bring back for their invisible young.
They are the most amazing birds, but to capture them in flight a few feet above your head was almost impossible.
To see so many puffins in one place is just the most awesome experience, especially as they come so close.
There were lots of other seabirds, so many guillemots, shags and kittywakes. We could sit on a rock, have something to eat and drink and take in this amazing place. We were glad we had so long on the island. There was hardly a cloud in the sky, it was warm but fresh with a light sea breeze. It could not have been better weather.
The next island we visited was Inner Farne. We were advised to wear hats as the Arctic Terns had nests close to the path. Why they need to be so close to our only access, I do not know. But they are very protective of their young and attack anyone we passes. So everyone had at least a couple of birds on top of their heads. It is quite horrible. I'm sure that Alfred Hitchcock would have been inspired for his movie "The Birds".
There were more puffins here, some even walk across the boardwalk in front of you.
It was late in the afternoon before our boat came to take us back to the mainland. An experience like no other, and on a day of glorious sunshine. On arrival back at Seahouses, we drove a short way along the coast and found a quiet beach to have our coffee and cake.
The next day actually started cloudy ( being the reason why we booked the day before for the Farne Islands) and we stayed in Alnwick the whole day. Barter Books is one of the largest second hand bookshops in the country. It is situated in the old railway station and has over 350,000 second hand books as well as highly valuable antiquarian and rare books for sale at extravagant prices. We even found old annuals from our childhood. I came away with a couple of paperbacks, a Zadie Smith and a Beryl Bainbridge, as well as a Bernard Shaw play. Alison was thrilled with her sheet music.
After some refreshments in the Station Buffet, we headed for Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland's family, the Percys, for over 700 years. The exterior and grounds are also featured as Hogwarts in the early Harry Potter movies.
Inside, the state rooms are very impressive, although photography is not allowed. In the first main room I spotted a Van Dyke and four Canalettos on the walls. I had to ask the lady guide about them, and she said that this was probably the finest private art collection in the country. I mentioned that security must be tight, and apparently it was tested recently by the SAS. There were four more Canalletos we would see, as well as Titian and many others. Apparently the Duke sold a painting a few years ago for £25 Million. With two daughters recently married, I guess he needed the cash.
The guide talked to Alison and me for quite some time, explaining about the origins of the family, and it was actually quite fascinating. We had so much more information as we went through each of the rooms.
Outside we sat and had an ice cream near where the antique horse drawn carriage( used for the weddings) is situated.
The grounds of the castle are also impressive, and there were good views from the battlements.
After a short rest back in our room, we decided to revisit Di Sopra for dinner, and were glad we did.
On Wednesday, the sun returned and after another superb breakfast, we were off to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. There is a causeway across (quite an interesting drive) so you are limited to the times of the tide. It was a decent walk from the car park to the village and then up to the castle (free for us as an NT property).
The views from the top of the castle were excellent, and we watched a group of seals make their way across the inlet and out to sea.
Not a lot to see inside the castle, and we spent most of the time looking out over the surrounding landscape. We could see the ruins of The Priory which would be our next stop.
Lindisfarne Priory was quiet and serene in the sunshine. Founded in AD 635, it is now a ruin, but the tranquil setting is superb.
We saw hardly any other visitors, and we were able to wander around in peace and quiet, so different from the busy castle. We ended up at the next door Parish Church of St Mary, built over the site of an earlier Saxon church. Time was pressing and the tide was on it's way, so it was time to head off. We made for Berwick upon Tweed on the border with Scotland, but did not stay long. Instead we headed on back and called in at the wonderful Barn at Beale for tea and cake. Dinner was at Dalchinis Indian Restaurant.
Friday was our last full day, and we drove to Bamburgh Castle. What a fabulous place, overlooking a beautiful beach. We were amazed that there were so few people visiting. We parked in Bamburgh village for free and were glad we did as the walk up to the castle was worth it.
We spent over an hour in the grounds, the views are so good.
Alison was very interested in the archaeological dig that was taking place.
She timed it just right as at 11am, one of the team came out to talk about what they were doing. I took the opportunity to do some more exploring, and had a look at the cricket ground below the castle walls.
The tea room was very quiet, and we had our drinks in a peaceful café. So it mas midday before we actually went inside the castle to look at the state rooms. Again quite impressive.
Back outside we had one last look across to the sea, and Inner Farne Island where we were on the first day had become more distinct.
Leaving the castle, we walked across the dunes to the huge beach. We had great views of the Farne Islands (Inner Farne above) as we walked along the shore, paddling in the calm sea. We had the coffee we brought with us sitting where the grass of the dunes met the beach. For our last night, we did not hesitate to go to Di Sopra for our dinner.
In the morning we said our goodbyes to our hosts, Tom and Audrey. We headed into the town as we had planned on going to the famous Alnwick Garden. But we changed our minds and instead drove the short distance to Cragside. We had a lovely morning, walking round the lakes.
After tea and cake, sitting outside the café, we were ready for the journey home. It was certainly one of our best holidays ever, helped greatly by the superb weather. I'm sure we will be back. There are places we still want to see: Alnwick Garden, Howick Hall, Dunstanburgh Castle and the walk to Castor, Walkworth and Amble, Ford and Etal, and the house at Cragside that we didn't have time for. That will be easily another five days.
Last time we took a plane to Newcastle and hired a car, but this time we drove. The journey turned out to be 4hours 45minutes, almost exactly what it takes every year to Cornwall, but seemed easier with mostly light traffic. On the way we called in at the National Trust property at Cragside set in the Northumberland National Park. But it was closed on Mondays. So we arrived in Alnwick late afternoon and had a stroll around the town in the sunshine before checking in to our b&b. There are plenty of places to eat in Alnwick, and we were only five minutes walk from the centre. We found a lovely Italian called Di Sopra. Great pastas and pizzas, all for £5.95 each. Fantastic value.
We had an early breakfast on Tuesday morning as we had to get to Seahouses to catch the 9.30 Billy Shiels boat for our all day bird watch on the Farne Islands that we had booked before we left home.
We had seen one of the Springwatch programmes some time ago when they visited these islands, so we knew it was somewhere special. It was only a short journey out to a very calm North Sea (how often does that happen) when the boat came to a stop below the cliffs of the first island. Here we had our first taste of what the day would be like, with hundreds of Guillemots above us.
We circled the island for a while before another short journey to another island where we stopped to look at the seals.
The boat then made for our first landing which would be Staple Island where we had two and a half hours. The main attraction here were the thousands of puffins. There were nesting in burrows in the softer ground, and were constantly flying close overhead to collect sand eels to bring back for their invisible young.
They are the most amazing birds, but to capture them in flight a few feet above your head was almost impossible.
To see so many puffins in one place is just the most awesome experience, especially as they come so close.
There were lots of other seabirds, so many guillemots, shags and kittywakes. We could sit on a rock, have something to eat and drink and take in this amazing place. We were glad we had so long on the island. There was hardly a cloud in the sky, it was warm but fresh with a light sea breeze. It could not have been better weather.
The next island we visited was Inner Farne. We were advised to wear hats as the Arctic Terns had nests close to the path. Why they need to be so close to our only access, I do not know. But they are very protective of their young and attack anyone we passes. So everyone had at least a couple of birds on top of their heads. It is quite horrible. I'm sure that Alfred Hitchcock would have been inspired for his movie "The Birds".
There were more puffins here, some even walk across the boardwalk in front of you.
It was late in the afternoon before our boat came to take us back to the mainland. An experience like no other, and on a day of glorious sunshine. On arrival back at Seahouses, we drove a short way along the coast and found a quiet beach to have our coffee and cake.
The next day actually started cloudy ( being the reason why we booked the day before for the Farne Islands) and we stayed in Alnwick the whole day. Barter Books is one of the largest second hand bookshops in the country. It is situated in the old railway station and has over 350,000 second hand books as well as highly valuable antiquarian and rare books for sale at extravagant prices. We even found old annuals from our childhood. I came away with a couple of paperbacks, a Zadie Smith and a Beryl Bainbridge, as well as a Bernard Shaw play. Alison was thrilled with her sheet music.
After some refreshments in the Station Buffet, we headed for Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland's family, the Percys, for over 700 years. The exterior and grounds are also featured as Hogwarts in the early Harry Potter movies.
Inside, the state rooms are very impressive, although photography is not allowed. In the first main room I spotted a Van Dyke and four Canalettos on the walls. I had to ask the lady guide about them, and she said that this was probably the finest private art collection in the country. I mentioned that security must be tight, and apparently it was tested recently by the SAS. There were four more Canalletos we would see, as well as Titian and many others. Apparently the Duke sold a painting a few years ago for £25 Million. With two daughters recently married, I guess he needed the cash.
The guide talked to Alison and me for quite some time, explaining about the origins of the family, and it was actually quite fascinating. We had so much more information as we went through each of the rooms.
Outside we sat and had an ice cream near where the antique horse drawn carriage( used for the weddings) is situated.
The grounds of the castle are also impressive, and there were good views from the battlements.
After a short rest back in our room, we decided to revisit Di Sopra for dinner, and were glad we did.
On Wednesday, the sun returned and after another superb breakfast, we were off to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. There is a causeway across (quite an interesting drive) so you are limited to the times of the tide. It was a decent walk from the car park to the village and then up to the castle (free for us as an NT property).
The views from the top of the castle were excellent, and we watched a group of seals make their way across the inlet and out to sea.
Not a lot to see inside the castle, and we spent most of the time looking out over the surrounding landscape. We could see the ruins of The Priory which would be our next stop.
Lindisfarne Priory was quiet and serene in the sunshine. Founded in AD 635, it is now a ruin, but the tranquil setting is superb.
We saw hardly any other visitors, and we were able to wander around in peace and quiet, so different from the busy castle. We ended up at the next door Parish Church of St Mary, built over the site of an earlier Saxon church. Time was pressing and the tide was on it's way, so it was time to head off. We made for Berwick upon Tweed on the border with Scotland, but did not stay long. Instead we headed on back and called in at the wonderful Barn at Beale for tea and cake. Dinner was at Dalchinis Indian Restaurant.
Friday was our last full day, and we drove to Bamburgh Castle. What a fabulous place, overlooking a beautiful beach. We were amazed that there were so few people visiting. We parked in Bamburgh village for free and were glad we did as the walk up to the castle was worth it.
We spent over an hour in the grounds, the views are so good.
Alison was very interested in the archaeological dig that was taking place.
She timed it just right as at 11am, one of the team came out to talk about what they were doing. I took the opportunity to do some more exploring, and had a look at the cricket ground below the castle walls.
The tea room was very quiet, and we had our drinks in a peaceful café. So it mas midday before we actually went inside the castle to look at the state rooms. Again quite impressive.
Back outside we had one last look across to the sea, and Inner Farne Island where we were on the first day had become more distinct.
Leaving the castle, we walked across the dunes to the huge beach. We had great views of the Farne Islands (Inner Farne above) as we walked along the shore, paddling in the calm sea. We had the coffee we brought with us sitting where the grass of the dunes met the beach. For our last night, we did not hesitate to go to Di Sopra for our dinner.
In the morning we said our goodbyes to our hosts, Tom and Audrey. We headed into the town as we had planned on going to the famous Alnwick Garden. But we changed our minds and instead drove the short distance to Cragside. We had a lovely morning, walking round the lakes.
After tea and cake, sitting outside the café, we were ready for the journey home. It was certainly one of our best holidays ever, helped greatly by the superb weather. I'm sure we will be back. There are places we still want to see: Alnwick Garden, Howick Hall, Dunstanburgh Castle and the walk to Castor, Walkworth and Amble, Ford and Etal, and the house at Cragside that we didn't have time for. That will be easily another five days.
Friday, 5 July 2013
Dido, Thea Gilmore, Natalie Maines and Eliza Gilkyson
The new album from Dido Girl Who Got Away is not really music to my ears. Her choice of electro pop backing is a strange experiment, and not one that I find comfortable. Her songs are still have the lovely familiar melodies we have become used to, and there are a couple of stand out tracks. "love to blame" and "happy new year" actually suit the instrumental accompaniment. But so they would something a lot smoother.
You only have to look at the list of instrumentalists (nineteen in all) to know that Thea Gilmore's new album Regardless is another departure. And this time for the better. Her great new songs, ("This Road" is a belter) and her voice, fit the bigger band so well, so that is fast becoming my favourite of all the dozen CD's in my collection. A critic complained that the strings "suck at it's liveliness". I have to disagree. They are what we have been waiting for. Motherhood certainly suits her.
When two of the Dixie Chicks went out on their own and recorded their self titled album in 2010, I guess it was only a matter of time before their ex lead singer Natalie Maines brought out her own. With Mother, here it is. After a couple of listenings I am disappointingly underwhelmed. An album of many covers somehow does not pack the power of the old group. And this is certainly not country music, more the old rock ballads that are pretty antiseptic. What is best about the CD is her voice, classy as always. We have to wait until the final track for the one song which almost makes it all worth while. A brand new composition, "Take It On Faith" has little reminders of The Dixies, just until that horrible rock guitar starts up.
I would never have found Eliza Gilkyson if it were not for the BBC drama series "Case Histories". It's central character, Jackson Brodie likes female country/folk music, and Eliza is right up there with the best. Of all her albums I went for Paradise Hotel and I thought to start I was listening to Nanci Griffith, light yodel and all. "Calm before the Storm" and "When you walk on" featured on the film soundtrack, but I prefer the corny first track "Borderline". A mighty fine album.
You only have to look at the list of instrumentalists (nineteen in all) to know that Thea Gilmore's new album Regardless is another departure. And this time for the better. Her great new songs, ("This Road" is a belter) and her voice, fit the bigger band so well, so that is fast becoming my favourite of all the dozen CD's in my collection. A critic complained that the strings "suck at it's liveliness". I have to disagree. They are what we have been waiting for. Motherhood certainly suits her.
When two of the Dixie Chicks went out on their own and recorded their self titled album in 2010, I guess it was only a matter of time before their ex lead singer Natalie Maines brought out her own. With Mother, here it is. After a couple of listenings I am disappointingly underwhelmed. An album of many covers somehow does not pack the power of the old group. And this is certainly not country music, more the old rock ballads that are pretty antiseptic. What is best about the CD is her voice, classy as always. We have to wait until the final track for the one song which almost makes it all worth while. A brand new composition, "Take It On Faith" has little reminders of The Dixies, just until that horrible rock guitar starts up.
I would never have found Eliza Gilkyson if it were not for the BBC drama series "Case Histories". It's central character, Jackson Brodie likes female country/folk music, and Eliza is right up there with the best. Of all her albums I went for Paradise Hotel and I thought to start I was listening to Nanci Griffith, light yodel and all. "Calm before the Storm" and "When you walk on" featured on the film soundtrack, but I prefer the corny first track "Borderline". A mighty fine album.
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Safe Haven, World War Z and The East
In a week when I discounted the main release that was Man of Steel, I found myself at Senior Screen on a Wednesday morning to see Safe Haven. Avoiding superheros and horrible comedies, there are so few dramas that when one that falls into the romantic category, I am always a little wary. At least this one looked really good on the screen, but a predictable story had the biggest crazy twist at the end of any movie I can remember.
It is not very often that a blockbuster comes with a 15 Certificate, so World War Z does not pander to a younger audience. A zombie disaster movie on a huge scale, it pulled no punches. As predicted, a pretty flimsy story has Brad Pitt travelling the world in an attempt to solve the mystery of how the virus started. It says everything that the climax is in Cardiff of all places, complete with Peter Capaldi as a world health doctor. However, the director Marc Forster does his best with some epic set pieces, and it all goes to make for a passable couple of hours.
Much more to my liking was The East, where Brit Marling works for an elite security firm and goes undercover at a group who are making revenge attacks against corporations who they believe have committed crimes. It works well in it's ambiguous contradictions and while highlighting corporate greed, it also questions the motives of the anarchists who include Alexander Skarsgard and the terrific Ellen Page. Written by Brit Marling herself with the director Zal Batmanglij, this is an interesting movie with things to say, while at the same time being a good thriller
It is not very often that a blockbuster comes with a 15 Certificate, so World War Z does not pander to a younger audience. A zombie disaster movie on a huge scale, it pulled no punches. As predicted, a pretty flimsy story has Brad Pitt travelling the world in an attempt to solve the mystery of how the virus started. It says everything that the climax is in Cardiff of all places, complete with Peter Capaldi as a world health doctor. However, the director Marc Forster does his best with some epic set pieces, and it all goes to make for a passable couple of hours.
Much more to my liking was The East, where Brit Marling works for an elite security firm and goes undercover at a group who are making revenge attacks against corporations who they believe have committed crimes. It works well in it's ambiguous contradictions and while highlighting corporate greed, it also questions the motives of the anarchists who include Alexander Skarsgard and the terrific Ellen Page. Written by Brit Marling herself with the director Zal Batmanglij, this is an interesting movie with things to say, while at the same time being a good thriller
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Tour De France Highlights - ITV4
And of course there is the music at the end of each programme. Last night Portishead sang about white horses on "The Rip" as we watched a couple riding along a field, keeping up with the peleton. Superb.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)