Films
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Stylish Films: Sparkling Cyanide (2003)
In my ongoing quest to watch every Agatha Christie adaptation that I can find, I have come across some unusual interpretations. One of the most unusual has to be the 2003 British adaptation of Sparkling Cyanide. This was a made for TV movie that is very enjoyable, and has a certain amount of charm, but changes the format of the film from being followed through the eyes of our heroine, Iris, and instead becomes a sort of police/secret service investigation that actually dismisses some characters from Agatha’s original book. That said, it works quite well as a gentle thriller, police procedural story, and is certainly a decent afternoon viewing on…
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Halloween Inspiration – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
If you are looking for inspiration for your Halloween outfit, then look no further than the film of the Autumn Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the long awaited sequel to the brilliant comic horror of the 1980’s, and it has been delighting audiences since it was released last month. I finally got to see it last week, and loved it. It is quirky and funny, has some brilliant comic performances, notably from Catherine O Hara, Michael Keaton and Justin Theroux (totally sending himself up) and is a rewarding follow up to the classic original. It also serves some serious Halloween fashion statements, totally great for Halloween. (Read the Rotten Tomatoes reviews here.)…
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Stylish Films: The Critic
It has had somewhat mixed reviews, but I have to say that I absolutely loved The Critic. Not only does it make 1930’s London look beautiful, but it is stylish, superbly acted, and has a lead performance to savour from Sir Ian McKellen. It is wonderful. The Critic is almost a Faustian tale. It concerns Jimmy Erskine, the most respected, and feared critic in theatre land. Jimmy won’t be kind when he can be wicked, and his reviews are legendary. He works for the Daily Chronicle (based in the most incredible Art Deco building) and is a favourite of the owner. But when the owner dies and is replaced by…
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Truly Miss Marple, The Curious Case Of Margaret Rutherford
I recently discovered, and watched, a really interesting, absorbing documentary about an actress who became a national treasure, and is now fondly remembered, at the very least, for being the original Miss Marple. Margaret Rutherford had an interesting and tragic early life, but, despite this, she went on to become a legendary comic actress, an Oscar Winner, and starred as Miss Marple in 4 popular films. In ‘Truly Miss Marple, The Curious Case Of Margaret Rutherford‘, which is currently available to watch for free on Youtube, we find out more about this most beloved of stars. Her full name was actually Margaret Rutherford Benn, and she was part of the same aristocratic…
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Withnail And I Is Still Wonderful
It is one of the most beloved films of the 1980’s, a cult movie with instantly quotable lines and a devoted fan base. Now, Wìthnail and I, the tale of two failing actors at the tail-end of the 1960’s who go on holiday ‘by mistake’, has been transformed into a brilliant piece of tragi-comedy theatre that delights fans both old and new. Once again, the Birmingham Rep has a monster hit on its hands. Withnail and I (Marwood) are failing actors living in virtual destitution in 1969 London. Their lives are made up of signing on, drinking alcohol when they can get it, and lighter fluid when they can’t. Withnail…
