Monthly Archives: February 2009

Gran Torino ticks all the boxes

Posted on February 28, 2009
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Every once in a while along comes a movie that is perfect in every way.  For me, the latest movie to fit that category is Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino (Rolling Stone Review). Clint Eastwood not only stars but produces and directs the film; something he has apparently hinted will be the last such project he will undertake. Only time will tell if he has the will power to refuse a doosie of a film!

Clintwood plays Walt Kowalski, a bigoted veteran soldier from the Korean War, who, as the film begins, has just lost his wife and has to deal with a family hell bent on pushing him into a nursing home so they can handle his affairs and grab his money!

Kowalski lives in a suburb of Detroit close to the Ford factory he worked for the majority of his life. He has seen his neighbourhood deteriorate over the years and the ethnic change is something he isn’t enamoured with. Added to that the growing problem of gang culture one has to wonder why he sticks it out. There is little on offer for the new generation, most of who are caught up in gang rivalry and street corners.

When we first meet Kowalski he has very few friends and in all honesty he has no desire to make any!  However, this all changes when he catches his young neighbour (Thao played by Bee Vang) trying to steal his treasured “Gran Torino”. What follows is an endearing relationship that grows and grows and with it he sees change in the neighbourhood and how he is perceived by his alien neighbours. 80% from Rotten Tomatoes.

There are truly magical scenes throughout the film but no more so than the interaction he has with his local Italian barber. They constantly …

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Taylor Swift back in the saddle with White Horse

Posted on February 27, 2009
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For someone so young, Taylor Swift has sure made a huge mark on the country industry with her youthful style and energy. She writes her own music and despite being tender in years writes from her own experiences and heart.

Her latest single release is White Horse and is a more mature sounding song compared to the earlier Love Story. It’s a wonderfuly poigniant song and video all about a brakeup and a boyfriend begging for another chance. With the rain lashing against the video she deals with being let down and how looks are deceptive. The video plays below – enjoy!

Swift was the biggest selling artist in 2008 in America with combined sales of over 4 million albums. Swift’s “Fearless” and “Taylor Swift” albums ended 2008 at number three and six. Both albums reached the top of the charts in America and Canada.

She came to prominence when she released her single and tribute called “Tim McGraw”. She was and is a huge McGraw fan and despite writing a song about the cowboy had never met him at that point! The Tim McGraw single reached a high of six in 2006. The pair finally met at the ACM awards in 2007!
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North shines bright to lead Australia fight back

Posted on February 27, 2009
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Despite losing two very quick wickets on day one of the first Test at the New Wanderers Ground yesterday, Australia somehow dug deep and recovered to post a very respectable 466 all out.

Ponting (83) and Clarke(68) led the way yesterday with half centuries and it was left to Haddin and debutant Marcus North to continue the fight back today. North outlasted the more experienced wicket keeper (63) to put on a huge partnership with number nine Mitchell Johnson.

North continued to play positively and carried on the Australian tradition of trusting the tail – a trust that has been bountiful in recent times with Australia batting to number 10 comfortably. He marked his debut game with a wonderful 117 before he was stumped by Mark Boucher for 117.

Johnson then decided to hit out and within an over had despatched the spinner (Harris) for 26 off one over, an over that included three sixes.

Unfortunately for the number nine, the final two batsmen couldn’t stay in long enough to see Johnson reach his maiden Test century as he remained four runs short at 96 not out at the innings close. It really was a shame he didn’t reach the magical three figures, despite an unconventional batting style he certainly deserved to mark the innings with a century.

North became the 18th Australian to hit a century on debut. In reply South Africa lost two early wickets namely Smith (0) and Amla (1). The home team currently stand on 3 for 85 with a long way to go in this Test match.…

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Eliza Dushku builds a Dollhouse

Posted on February 27, 2009
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I’ve just sat through the first episode of FOX’s new series “Dollhouse” starring Eliza Dushku (Tru Calling, Angel and Buffy The Vampire Slayer) in which she plays an “Active” or “Doll” called Echo. The “Dolls” or “Actives” have had their personalities wiped clean. Although this sounds rather brutal the clean slate allows the Dollhouse employees to imprint numerous personas on the Dolls, with each persona purpose built for the mission in hand.

The series, although only two episodes into its run in the United States has received a luke warm reception but from my first viewing I would rate it as a fairly classy production. I purposely went into the series blind, preferring not to know what to expect but, given the decent cast and pedigree of its creator Joss Whedon, (who had incidentally worked with Dushku in her earlier projects) I am optimistic the series will run its course and deliver a full season. There – I’ve just given the series the kiss of death!

Amy Acker,  who plays Dr Claire Saunders completes the “Angel” Ménage à trois.

Dushku is called to negotiate a hostage recovery in the first episode and, following her “treatment”, she becomes an expert negotiator who has apparently been doing the job all her life. A forceful character who exudes confidence, “Miss Pen”, Dushku’s alter ego, sets about rescuing a little girl with aplomb and a cold hearted exterior. Her acting skills are remarkable and I for one have missed her off our screens. I have a feeling that following each episode’s treatment we will see Dushku take on a variety of roles testing her acting skills to the full.

As I mentioned earlier, the show has received a warm but not hot reception in the US, certainly within the …

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Wendy Richard dies aged 65

Posted on February 26, 2009
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Following a long illness with Cancer, Wendy Richard has died aged 65. For many this will not be unexpected but it will be a huge loss to many thousands of fans around the country.

Her agent Kevin Francis said: “She was incredibly brave and retained her sense of humour right to the end.”

Last October, Richard revealed she had an aggressive, terminal form of cancer. Soon after that she married her long-term partner John Burns.

She will be remembered for her two biggest roles that of Pauline Fowler in BBC1′s huge hit Eastenders and Are you being served in which she played Miss Brahms, the English working man’s totty!

Presenter Dale Winton had known Richard for years.

“I’m very saddened to hear the news, she was a real fighter and actually a very kind and funny lady in her own right,” he said.

“My thoughts are with her family, she will be missed.”

1.    1965 Aged 22, joins the cast of soap The Newcomers

2.    1970-73 Stars in four episodes of Dad’s Army as Private Walker’s girlfriend, Shirley

3.    1972 Plays Miss Willing in Carry On Matron

4.    1972-85 Stars as Miss Brahms in the series Are You Being Served?

5.    1985-2006 Appears in more than 1,400 episodes of EastEnders as Pauline Fowler

6.    2008 Films her last TV role as Mrs Crump in Marple: A Pocket Full Of Rye

In 2000, Richard was awarded the MBE for services to television and in 2007 she was given a British Soap Award for Lifetime Achievement for her role in EastEnders.

She will be missed and is another big loss to the British entertainment industry.…

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David Cameron’s Loss

Posted on February 26, 2009
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I’ve never been one to get involved in Political discussion, never been interested – apart from the politics in the United States when it every four years it’s time for America as a whole to choose their leader. There has always been something about this process that interests Westerners not remotely involved in this decision making process. Something romantic, glamorous maybe? I digress!

With that in mind I was saddened to hear that David Cameron’s son Ivan, who was severely disabled, had lost his battle and had died overnight. I met David Cameron a year ago when he came into work, he was standing in reception waiting to be ushered into a studio to record an interview but he smiled, said hello and we exchanged a few pleasantries despite being strangers. A very warm and gracious man, he had time for anyone who wished to give him a passing glance or a shake of the hand.

On the other hand, and this is why I mentioned I had no political affiliations, since Gordon Brown stepped into Tony Blair’s shoes, he has never quite grasped the role. Sure he has had a hell of a lot to deal with the country in decline financially at the moment but still – he never seems to exude confidence to the public. That said, my opinion of our Prime Minister changed somewhat yesterday when I sat and watched him pay tribute to Cameron and for the loss of his son. It was a heartfelt speech and an emotive one. I was moved, genuinely.

“I know that the whole house will want to express their sorrow at the death of Ivan Cameron,” Brown told MPs.

“He brought joy to all those around him. Every child is precious and irreplaceable. The death of a child …

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Give Me A Bud – Wassup !!!!

Posted on February 25, 2009
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I was sitting in the office today and over a cup of tea and a cookie I, for some inexplicable reason, thought about one of the greatest viral commercials to his the world – namely Budweiser’s Wassup!!!! It got me thinking, would there be anything on the net about it, or would it have been a long forgotten commercial. I remember seeing a few different types of examples from the official kings of beer but in my mind I remember something along the lines of hundreds of spoof commercial being available.

Time to check them out and see if I was right or in a drunken stupor and imagined the whole phenomena!!! Well the good news is that I hadn’t imagined it, Wassup did exist!! It was huge!!! The first video has a group of lads sitting around various houses all greeting each other in their own inimitable style – Wassup (to get the real effect imagine my toung is now sticking out as I say it!). I can’t believe this original viral video came out 9 years ago in 2000! Where has the time gone ?!

Other versions of the commercials exists, some brilliant spoofs too – including the kids and popcorn spoof on Wassup, then of course there’s always the alternative aged concern Grandma spoof too!

Anyway, much to my surprise I’ve just discovered that the same guys did a follow up video last year, a full 8 years after the original commercial aired! Yep they look older, don’t we all! But it’s as funny as ever! Barack Obama is the main recipient of this short promo video, the guys have obviously sworn allegience to the great leader and given they were barracking for Barack – they could see, like most of us that he was the only …

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F1:BBC reveals comprehensive coverage for 2009

Posted on February 24, 2009
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Along with thousands of F1 petrol heads, I rejoiced at the demise of James Allen and the ITV coverage of F1 and with it the BBC’s re-capture of motorsports Jewel in the crown. At times it (ITV coverage) was brilliant but it also left us  shouting at the tv screen or tearing our hair out at the crazy decision to leave the race at critical times to feed the pockets of the ITV executives!

In what seemed to be an everlasting wait, the BBC have annouced the comprehensive coverage that will kick off in Melbourne next month (27th March). Check out the 2008 F1 Season Review Here.

F1 returns to BBC television for the first time in 12 years and there will be extensive coverage on network TV, red button, radio, online and mobile.

BBC One will carry live coverage of all 17 Grands Prix and every qualifying session except that in Brazil, which will be shown on BBC Two.

And every single on-track session can be watched on the red button or online.

Jake Humphrey will present the TV coverage, joined by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard and former team boss Eddie Jordan as pundits.

The pit lane reporters will be Ted Kravitz and Lee McKenzie.

F1 fans will be able to customise their viewing experience through the BBC’s multi-platform offering with options such as: split-screen action; a live leaderboard; in-car cameras; choice of commentary; live online streaming; live text; interactive forums; circuit guides; and blogs. More information on all the options can be seen on the BBC website.…

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Law and Order : UK

Posted on February 24, 2009
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Law and Order:UK launched last night on the ITV channel and I for one was pleasantly surprised at the quality and how close they kept to the original franchise in the USA. Apart from the obvious difference like geographical location, accents and different criminal processes it was in fact Law and Order US!!!! I think this will be a huge hit and if the ratings echo my sentiments I’m sure a second series of more than seven episodes will be ordered.

Bradley Walsh (DS Ronnie Brooks) stars as the main police detective and to be fair did a much better job than I expected. I went in fearing the worse and was more than pleasantly surprised at his delivery. His sidekick (DS Matt Devlin played by Jamie Bamber) was funny (although I’m not sure if we were supposed to take him seriously or not!) and the pair struck up a very comfortable screen partnership. One of the great selling points of the Law and Order format is the speed at which things move. Half the programme relates to the police investigation and the other deals solely with the criminal justice, crown prosecution and the struggles to get the case to court.

Welcomed back on the small screen is ex Doctor Who/Torchwood star Freema Agyeman who plays the young junior prosecutor Alesha Phillips. She does a good job and helps to gel the two main characters on the legal side namely the director of the CPS and crown prosecutor. Last nights’ episode dealt with an overzealous property tycoon who stopped at nothing to get her tenants out of their contracts and make money on the redevelopment of the property. As I’ve mentioned, it was a slick operation and had me enthralled from start to finish.

The iconic “dumb …

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Lisa Marie Presley

Posted on February 23, 2009
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While revitalising my blog I spent a little time trying to find out which widgets and plugins were available for a wordpress.com hosted blog and although there aren’t that many – certainly that I could see anyway I did come across one I have fallen in love with!! Vodpod !!!

I am certain there are other sites that cater for the individual to collate all their favourite videos found while surfing the net but this is the first one I have found that can also use in conjunction with your blog.

I digress! While I was adding videos to my account (free) I cam across an old song by Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie called “Lights Out”. It’s a wonderful homage to her dad and a very catchy tune, even if I do say so myself. I don’t think it made it big either in the UK or America but it did deserve to succeed. So I thought while adding the video to my online collection, why not drop it in a small blog posting so anyone who happens to stumble across this blog might care to take a look and judge for themselves!

Hope you enjoy it!

Warnie.…

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The 2009 Oscars Live!! The Results

Posted on February 23, 2009
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Well the hype is over, the red carpet worn, the stars bejangled and we now settle back – yes we the less fortunate, to our sofas and bubbly and enjoy the awards ceremony! Will it be a clean sweep for the Brits with Slumdog Millionaire and Kate Winslet or will the Americans spoil the party and win them all ?…. only time will tell. It’s over to Hugh Jackman!

I never knew Jackman could sing!!! In his own budget cut opening he charms the audience and serenades Kate Winslet!! Lmao, Jackman picks Anne Hathaway out of the audience and the two sing a duet – fair dues, she has a cracking …. voice!!! Well rehearsed but fun! This is by far the best opening to the Oscars since Billy Crystal!!!

He deservedly receives a standing ovation from the celebs!!! A few of my predictions HERE

Here we go, as it happens live …. the results !!!

Best Supporting Actress – and the winner is ………Penelope Cruz

Best Original Screenplay – and the winner is ……..Milk (Dustin Lance Black)

Best Adapted Screenplay – and the winner is ……..Slumdog Millionaire

Best Animated Feature – and the winner is ……..WALL-E

Best Animated Short – and the winner is ……..La Maison en petits cubes

Best Art Direction – and the winner is ……..Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Costume Design – and the winner is ……..The Duches (Michael O’Connor)

Best Makeup – and the winner is ……..The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Cinematography – and the winner is ……..Slumdog Millionaire

Just a quick side note here, Natalia Portman looked incredibly hot tonight!!!! So both Slumdog and Button have won 2 Oscars so far, who is going to win the match …

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The Oscars 2009 – My Predictions

Posted on February 22, 2009
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So who’s going to win the most coveted statue (well the one you can take home with you anyway!) in the movie world. UPDATE …Complete List of winners and comments here.Like most of us I have no idea but I will take a pot shot and guess ahead of the official results tonight. I’m sure I’ll be way off the mark and despite having a reasonable idea most seasons – I haven’t seen the Slumdog Millionaire and can only go with the hype! So it’s a guess rather than an educated guess! Complete List Here

Best Film

Nominated: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire

For me it’s a sure fire thing, between two films! Slumdog Millionaire and Benjamin Button – Slumdog will win although I’d love to see Benjamin Button win this one.

Director

Nominated - David Fincher (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button), Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon), Gus Van Sant (Milk), Stephen Daldry (The Reader), Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) – David Fincher for me but again I think it will be a Slumdog victory.

Actor

Nominated: Richard Jenkins (The Visitor), Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon), Sean Penn (Milk), Brad Pitt (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button), Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) – Without doubt between two actors – Pitt and Rourke. I thought Langella’s performance in Nixon stole that film but not strong enough for an oscar. I’m going with Brad Pitt but think the populous vote will be for Rourke.

Supporting Actor

Nominated: Josh Brolin (Milk), Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt), Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Michael Shannon …

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Jade Goody – Preferential treatment

Posted on February 21, 2009
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Let me start by laying my cards on the table;I have never been or will I likely be a fan or admirer of Jade Goody of Big Brother fame in the UK. Sure the girl has done well for herself, nothing wrong with that and you have to feel for her now that it has been confirmed she is dying from Cancer. That said, where the hell does Jack Straw get off from allowing her Fiance (Jack Tweed) to spend the wedding night with her? The guy has been convicted of assault, sentenced for 18 months and because Jade is who she is, the curfew has been relaxed.

I seriously doubt if the average Joe would get the same treatment as Tweed. What gives Straw the right to give him special treatment? Does this now set a standard for everyone? It will certainly be interesting when the next convicted criminal wants a favour because his or her partner is dying.

Perhaps what is more worrying is that MP, hell even the Prime Minister Gordon Brown was asked questions regarding Jade Goody by the press; for the second time within a week! What is the world coming to?

I watched Sky News yesterday and a guest they had on had the audacity to compare Goody’s plight with that of Princess Diana when she died. What the frack? Goody and Diana in the same sentance? Give me a break! Going back to Jack Straw while I can; he shouldn’t get involved but he seems hell bent using the occasion as a populus decision.

As I’ve said, the fact that Jade has cancer at such a young age is devastating and I don’t think anyone would have wished that on her family. Was she right to sell her soul for …

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Schapelle Corby – A Music Video

Posted on February 21, 2009
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I’ve never sat down and spent time putting stills to music but thought it was high time I practiced. Given that I was in the middle of reading Schapelle’s book and so enthusiastic about her innocence I thought why not Schapelle!

So with that in mind, I spent a few hours and came up with the following video. The stills set to Adele’s “Make you feel my love”, I thought the words rang true. Hope you enjoy it, it was great fun to collate and I hope to do another one in the future.

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