10 O'Clock Live
2x03 (22/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Mad Bad Ad Show
1x02 Episode 2
So after Episode 1 was episode-2, Episode 2 is episode-6. What?
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Pointless
6x13 (29/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Tuesday 28 February 2012
TV
Alexander Armstrong's Big Ask
1x04 Episode 4
With a daily quiz show, plus its new Saturday night version, and this panel show, plus the odd guest appearance elsewhere, there does seem to be a lot of Mr Armstrong -- Xander to friends -- around at the moment. Which is surprisingly unirritating.
The Mentalist
4x14 At First Blush
Well, that that was going there is no surprise. But I shall say no more for the sake of any readers watching it on Channel 5.
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 23rd March. Probably.]
Pointless
6x12 (28/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x04 Episode 4
With a daily quiz show, plus its new Saturday night version, and this panel show, plus the odd guest appearance elsewhere, there does seem to be a lot of Mr Armstrong -- Xander to friends -- around at the moment. Which is surprisingly unirritating.
The Mentalist
4x14 At First Blush
Well, that that was going there is no surprise. But I shall say no more for the sake of any readers watching it on Channel 5.
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 23rd March. Probably.]
Pointless
6x12 (28/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Monday 27 February 2012
TV
The 84th Annual Academy Awards
aka the Oscars, obviously. As usual (I've done it for a couple of years now), I got Sky Movies to watch this... and lots of on-demand movies for a month. Yay!
Anyway, the ceremony itself... was fine. Billy Crystal started weakly but got better; almost every award went where everyone thought it would; and Sky's coverage was a bit of a shambles. I presume there are very few people who know what they're talking about who'll agree to come on.
Castle
2x01 Deep in Death
It's only been six months since Channel 5 finished airing the first season of Castle, but it's such good fun it feels like a lot longer. Maybe one day we'll even catch up with the US (currently deep in season four).
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
My Life in Books
2x01 Pamela Stephenson and Alexander Armstrong
At the end of the first series I commented that some more would be nice, and lo and behold here it is! Didn't really expect that, but it's most welcome.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
6x11 (27/2/12 edition)
That's right, today's. You don't get much more caught up than that, eh.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
aka the Oscars, obviously. As usual (I've done it for a couple of years now), I got Sky Movies to watch this... and lots of on-demand movies for a month. Yay!
Anyway, the ceremony itself... was fine. Billy Crystal started weakly but got better; almost every award went where everyone thought it would; and Sky's coverage was a bit of a shambles. I presume there are very few people who know what they're talking about who'll agree to come on.
Castle
2x01 Deep in Death
It's only been six months since Channel 5 finished airing the first season of Castle, but it's such good fun it feels like a lot longer. Maybe one day we'll even catch up with the US (currently deep in season four).
[Watch it (again) on Demand 5.]
My Life in Books
2x01 Pamela Stephenson and Alexander Armstrong
At the end of the first series I commented that some more would be nice, and lo and behold here it is! Didn't really expect that, but it's most welcome.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
6x11 (27/2/12 edition)
That's right, today's. You don't get much more caught up than that, eh.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Sunday 26 February 2012
TV
Oscar 2012: Red Carpet Live
As per usual the actual awards begin at 1:30am over here, so here's a lot of pre-show speculation from Sky Movies' chosen presenting team. They always call it "red carpet", but there's not much of it on the Sky Premiere coverage. Thankfully, because all of that stuff's a bit dull.
Pointless Celebrities
2x01 (25/2/12 edition)
Was Penny Smith drunk?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
As per usual the actual awards begin at 1:30am over here, so here's a lot of pre-show speculation from Sky Movies' chosen presenting team. They always call it "red carpet", but there's not much of it on the Sky Premiere coverage. Thankfully, because all of that stuff's a bit dull.
Pointless Celebrities
2x01 (25/2/12 edition)
Was Penny Smith drunk?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Comics
Uncanny X-Men #7 by Kieron Gillen & Greg Land
Wolverine and the X-Men #6 by Jason Aaron & Nick Bradshaw
I don't really like it when X-Men goes too far with the space-y stuff -- the Earth-based sci-fi, the level pitched in all the movies, is more my kind of pace for the franchise -- but this is still a fun book overall.
Currently thinking I won't bother with the super-huge (and therefore expensive) Avengers vs X-Men event Marvel have this summer, and probably ditch the likely-central Uncanny in the process, but hopefully WatX will remain fun enough to stick with.
Wolverine and the X-Men #6 by Jason Aaron & Nick Bradshaw
I don't really like it when X-Men goes too far with the space-y stuff -- the Earth-based sci-fi, the level pitched in all the movies, is more my kind of pace for the franchise -- but this is still a fun book overall.
Currently thinking I won't bother with the super-huge (and therefore expensive) Avengers vs X-Men event Marvel have this summer, and probably ditch the likely-central Uncanny in the process, but hopefully WatX will remain fun enough to stick with.
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Ip Man (2008)
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
Next week sees the fifth birthday of 100 Films, so expect a series of posts marking that august occasion. And probably no actual reviews.
Ip Man (2008)
I’ve decided to try something a little different. I’ve read several different reviews of the film, found by various means, and have compiled a selection of quotes from them below... the "fight choreography is clever and exciting, with sequences that have Ip felling a sword-wielding rival with a feather-duster, or holding off two men with a 10-foot pole."Read more on my new blog or my classic blog.
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
The American Academy have overlooked Winnie the Pooh in their nominations this weekend, I imagine writing it off as “just for little kids”. And that’s a shame, because I don’t think it is. I certainly loved it more than Rango and it’s definitely better than Kung Fu Panda 2, to pick on the two nominees I’ve seen. I struggle to believe I’ll find Puss in Boots more endearing.Read more on my new blog or my classic blog.
Next week sees the fifth birthday of 100 Films, so expect a series of posts marking that august occasion. And probably no actual reviews.
Saturday 25 February 2012
TV
House
8x11 Nobody's Fault
Well that was a bloody good episode. House has definitely still got it.
The Jonathan Ross Show
2x03 (21/1/12 edition)
The Mentalist
4x13 Red is the New Black
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 16th March. Probably.]
Pointless
6x10 (24/2/12 edition)
That literature round was bleak and depressing. How can only 29 out of 100 people know JK Rowling was an author who sold over 2 million books in the '00s?! And Dan Brown at 14?! And so many famous names as pointless?! How is our nation so thick?!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
18x04 (19/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
8x11 Nobody's Fault
Well that was a bloody good episode. House has definitely still got it.
The Jonathan Ross Show
2x03 (21/1/12 edition)
The Mentalist
4x13 Red is the New Black
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 16th March. Probably.]
Pointless
6x10 (24/2/12 edition)
That literature round was bleak and depressing. How can only 29 out of 100 people know JK Rowling was an author who sold over 2 million books in the '00s?! And Dan Brown at 14?! And so many famous names as pointless?! How is our nation so thick?!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
18x04 (19/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Friday 24 February 2012
TV
The Graham Norton Show
10x15 (10/2/12 edition)
Graham's show can suffer when he has on an older person (or foreigner) who doesn't really get it, but fortunately Dame Judi Dench is exceptionally excellent in every way and was marvellous.
Roger & Val Have Just Got In
2x03 Surprise!
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Room 101: Extra Storage
12x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Stella
1x07 Episode 7
Pointless
6x09 (23/2/12 edition)
I got loads of pointlesses in that final (on films nominated for the Best Animated Feature Oscar). Fun fun fun!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
10x15 (10/2/12 edition)
Graham's show can suffer when he has on an older person (or foreigner) who doesn't really get it, but fortunately Dame Judi Dench is exceptionally excellent in every way and was marvellous.
Roger & Val Have Just Got In
2x03 Surprise!
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Room 101: Extra Storage
12x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Stella
1x07 Episode 7
Pointless
6x09 (23/2/12 edition)
I got loads of pointlesses in that final (on films nominated for the Best Animated Feature Oscar). Fun fun fun!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
RIP Gregg Jevin: Imaginary Death Of Imaginary Comic Trends On Twitter
by Andrea Mann (from The Huffington Post UK)
And not just for a bit -- for hours and hours (most/all of the day), with what felt like everyone joining in. Despite sounding kind of dark and morbid, it was actually quite fun. More, including some of the best tweets, at the link.
by Andrea Mann (from The Huffington Post UK)
And not just for a bit -- for hours and hours (most/all of the day), with what felt like everyone joining in. Despite sounding kind of dark and morbid, it was actually quite fun. More, including some of the best tweets, at the link.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
A slightly larger boost than of late this week, thanks to some sales and some long-delayed titles (I've been waiting for one of these for over a month). The number of discs was a nice round 3,600 until this morning too.
Anyway, all that's just in time for the regular monthly running time update. Which is nice.
Number of titles in collection: 1,455 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,150 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 305 [up 4]
Number of discs in collection: 3,603 [up 8]
Number of films in collection: 1,544 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,439 [up 22]
As I mentioned, it's that time of the month again: the running time update. Yay! So...
Total running time of collection (approx.):
259 days, 17 hours, and 39 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 7 hours, and 22 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
A slightly larger boost than of late this week, thanks to some sales and some long-delayed titles (I've been waiting for one of these for over a month). The number of discs was a nice round 3,600 until this morning too.
Anyway, all that's just in time for the regular monthly running time update. Which is nice.
Number of titles in collection: 1,455 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,150 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 305 [up 4]
Number of discs in collection: 3,603 [up 8]
Number of films in collection: 1,544 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,439 [up 22]
As I mentioned, it's that time of the month again: the running time update. Yay! So...
Total running time of collection (approx.):
259 days, 17 hours, and 39 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 7 hours, and 22 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday 23 February 2012
TV
The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff
1x01 Episode 1
As much as I enjoyed the Christmas special, it felt a bit long. This, however, was a much more enjoyable burst of Dickens spoofery. Half an hour is clearly its ideal length, as it is for most comedy. Particularly liked The Apprentice joke, but then I like most jokes against The Apprentice.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Let's Dance for Sport Relief 2012
Episode 1 (of 5)
Who thought this'd make it to four series, eh? I was surprised when there was a second. It's good fun, but not the sort of stuff that lasts, especially as it's felt like they were struggling for good guests ever since the first run.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
6x08 (22/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x01 Episode 1
As much as I enjoyed the Christmas special, it felt a bit long. This, however, was a much more enjoyable burst of Dickens spoofery. Half an hour is clearly its ideal length, as it is for most comedy. Particularly liked The Apprentice joke, but then I like most jokes against The Apprentice.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Let's Dance for Sport Relief 2012
Episode 1 (of 5)
Who thought this'd make it to four series, eh? I was surprised when there was a second. It's good fun, but not the sort of stuff that lasts, especially as it's felt like they were struggling for good guests ever since the first run.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
6x08 (22/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
David Tennant, Tom Jones, Emma Thompson for new Sky Arts shows
by Tom Eames (from Digital Spy)
The above will "star in a new collection of drama productions titled Playhouse Presents for the channel", which sounds quite exciting.
It also mentions that Michael Parkinson will be returning to TV to host a new chat show, Masterclass, more details of which are here.
by Tom Eames (from Digital Spy)
The above will "star in a new collection of drama productions titled Playhouse Presents for the channel", which sounds quite exciting.
It also mentions that Michael Parkinson will be returning to TV to host a new chat show, Masterclass, more details of which are here.
Wednesday 22 February 2012
TV
10 O'Clock Live
2x02 (15/2/12 edition)
For all its variability, sometimes the 10 O'Clock Live team manage a whole episode that clicks, and I thought this was one.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
5x06 (18/2/12 edition)
A round about movies starring Marvel characters made since 1970 seemed like fun... and it was... until they unveiled the full list. Apparently this is Fantastic Four 2 (with this being Fantastic Four 1, presumably), and this is The Punisher 2 (with this being Punisher 1, presumably). Can we look forward to future rounds that cover King Kong, King Kong 2 and King Kong 3? How about Psycho, Psycho II and Psycho 2?
I could go on.
You wouldn't get such stupidity on Pointless.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
6x07 (21/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Watson & Oliver
1x01 Episode 1
They really slagged this off in the Radio Times, and while it certainly wasn't perfect -- most sketches went on too long, some didn't even seem to have a joke -- it was quite good overall.
[Watch it (again) In HD on iPlayer.]
2x02 (15/2/12 edition)
For all its variability, sometimes the 10 O'Clock Live team manage a whole episode that clicks, and I thought this was one.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
5x06 (18/2/12 edition)
A round about movies starring Marvel characters made since 1970 seemed like fun... and it was... until they unveiled the full list. Apparently this is Fantastic Four 2 (with this being Fantastic Four 1, presumably), and this is The Punisher 2 (with this being Punisher 1, presumably). Can we look forward to future rounds that cover King Kong, King Kong 2 and King Kong 3? How about Psycho, Psycho II and Psycho 2?
I could go on.
You wouldn't get such stupidity on Pointless.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
6x07 (21/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Watson & Oliver
1x01 Episode 1
They really slagged this off in the Radio Times, and while it certainly wasn't perfect -- most sketches went on too long, some didn't even seem to have a joke -- it was quite good overall.
[Watch it (again) In HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
BBCA Enjoys Viral Spread Of NYC Outdoor Ads
by Kent Gibbons (from Multichannel News)
Lots more detail at the link, including many examples (better quality here). This one's my favourite:
by Kent Gibbons (from Multichannel News)
BBC America is getting social media mileage out of a new outdoor advertising campaign it's launched in the New York City area.
Lots more detail at the link, including many examples (better quality here). This one's my favourite:
Tuesday 21 February 2012
TV
Alexander Armstrong's Big Ask
1x03 Episode 3
House
8x10 Runaways
Pointless
6x06 (20/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x03 Episode 3
House
8x10 Runaways
Pointless
6x06 (20/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Monday 20 February 2012
TV
Law & Order: UK
6x07 Fault Lines [season finale]
After a series that has mostly been very good, I thought that was a rather weak episode. Shame.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Mad Bad Ad Show
1x01 Episode 1
Well, that was moderately entertaining.
(Note how the programme guide URL for Episode 1 says "episode-2". What?)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Pointless
6x05 (17/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
6x07 Fault Lines [season finale]
After a series that has mostly been very good, I thought that was a rather weak episode. Shame.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Mad Bad Ad Show
1x01 Episode 1
Well, that was moderately entertaining.
(Note how the programme guide URL for Episode 1 says "episode-2". What?)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Pointless
6x05 (17/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Kick-Ass 2 to shoot this summer, says Mark Millar
by Mark Langshaw (from Digital Spy)
Funny: earlier today I was wondering if we'd ever see Kick-Ass 2 now, and then later read this news! Sounds a bit implausible -- shooting this summer, with no director or screenwriter announced? -- but you never know: it's an indie film, they may've developed it in secret. Time will tell.
The Most Expensive Starbucks Drink Ever: $23.60 Plus Tip
by Piper Weiss (from Shine from Yahoo!)
by Mark Langshaw (from Digital Spy)
Funny: earlier today I was wondering if we'd ever see Kick-Ass 2 now, and then later read this news! Sounds a bit implausible -- shooting this summer, with no director or screenwriter announced? -- but you never know: it's an indie film, they may've developed it in secret. Time will tell.
The Most Expensive Starbucks Drink Ever: $23.60 Plus Tip
by Piper Weiss (from Shine from Yahoo!)
Sunday 19 February 2012
Films
102 Dalmatians (2000)
[#18 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
Unstoppable (2010)
[#17 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
Really cracking on with film viewing at the minute... massively behind with review writing, though...
[#18 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
Unstoppable (2010)
[#17 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
Really cracking on with film viewing at the minute... massively behind with review writing, though...
Saturday 18 February 2012
TV
The Magicians
2x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
A spectacular end to a series full of fantastic magic. And, if you think back over it, including all guest acts and forfeits, there were a total of 84 tricks performed across the series. 84!
The Mentalist
4x12 My Bloody Valentine
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 9th March. Probably.]
Pointless
6x04 (16/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Stella
1x05 Episode 5
1x06 Episode 6
Just as I was commenting (to myself, at least) about how well constructed Stella's plots actually were, it goes and does a standard groom-to-be-looks-like-he's-having-an-affair-but-is-actually-getting-secret-dance-lessons-for-the-wedding plot. But at least it does it as amusingly as ever.
2x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
A spectacular end to a series full of fantastic magic. And, if you think back over it, including all guest acts and forfeits, there were a total of 84 tricks performed across the series. 84!
The Mentalist
4x12 My Bloody Valentine
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 9th March. Probably.]
Pointless
6x04 (16/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Stella
1x05 Episode 5
1x06 Episode 6
Just as I was commenting (to myself, at least) about how well constructed Stella's plots actually were, it goes and does a standard groom-to-be-looks-like-he's-having-an-affair-but-is-actually-getting-secret-dance-lessons-for-the-wedding plot. But at least it does it as amusingly as ever.
Articles
Beyond Dark Knight: What if Wes Anderson made Batman reboot?
and
After Dark Knight: Are you ready for Batman, the musical?
and
After Dark Knight: How about Robert Downey Jr as the Joker?
and
After Dark Knight: Could Arkham City work as a movie?
and
After Dark Knight: What if Tim Burton took back Gotham?
by Geoff Boucher & Sean Hartter (from Hero Complex at the Los Angeles Times)
Five-part series suggesting (with tongue firmly in cheek) 15 possible futures for the Batman film series.
and
After Dark Knight: Are you ready for Batman, the musical?
and
After Dark Knight: How about Robert Downey Jr as the Joker?
and
After Dark Knight: Could Arkham City work as a movie?
and
After Dark Knight: What if Tim Burton took back Gotham?
by Geoff Boucher & Sean Hartter (from Hero Complex at the Los Angeles Times)
when the credits roll on The Dark Knight Rises this July, it will mark the end of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy... Warner Bros. executives have made it clear they won’t leave the iconic property sitting on a shelf, however, and a new director and star tandem could be inhabiting Wayne Manor by 2014. But how on earth will any filmmaker follow the work of Nolan and company?
Five-part series suggesting (with tongue firmly in cheek) 15 possible futures for the Batman film series.
Friday 17 February 2012
TV
The Graham Norton Show
10x14 (3/2/12 edition)
Pointless
6x03 (15/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Roger & Val Have Just Got In
2x02 The Woman in the Attic
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
10x14 (3/2/12 edition)
Pointless
6x03 (15/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Roger & Val Have Just Got In
2x02 The Woman in the Attic
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
The Best New Action Classics, Volume 1
by Scott Weinberg (from Movies.com)
Now here's a list that merits some reading, watching and ticking-off-of-the-list-what-I've-watched...
James Bond Movie Poster Mashups
(from Empire)
Fun fun fun.
by Scott Weinberg (from Movies.com)
I was tweeting in highly opinionated fashion about how "foreign" films are presently kicking Hollywood's ass, as far as quality action films are concerned. Then I got a response from Duncan Jones, director of Moon and Source Code, asking me to write a piece about the best recent action movies I've seen from around the planet. And when the guy who debuted with one of the best sci-fi films in 20 years asks for a favor, you do it.
Now here's a list that merits some reading, watching and ticking-off-of-the-list-what-I've-watched...
James Bond Movie Poster Mashups
(from Empire)
Fun fun fun.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Finally, 300 Blu-rays! And my collection was nicely balanced on round numbers (1450/1150/300) until Master of Cinema's Repo Man went and turned up early. On the other hand, its Steelbook looks beautiful, I'm excited to watch it, and it turned up early. Yay!
Number of titles in collection: 1,451 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,150 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 301 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 3,595 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,541 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,417 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Finally, 300 Blu-rays! And my collection was nicely balanced on round numbers (1450/1150/300) until Master of Cinema's Repo Man went and turned up early. On the other hand, its Steelbook looks beautiful, I'm excited to watch it, and it turned up early. Yay!
Number of titles in collection: 1,451 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,150 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 301 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 3,595 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,541 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,417 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday 16 February 2012
Films
Priest (2011)
[#15 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
So far this year I've watched eight films from 2011, plus two from 2010, meaning the two years of the 2010s make up two-thirds of my viewing to date. Bit unbalanced, that.
(For the sake of completeness, the remainder included one from the '80s, one from the '90s, and three from the '00s.)
[#15 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
So far this year I've watched eight films from 2011, plus two from 2010, meaning the two years of the 2010s make up two-thirds of my viewing to date. Bit unbalanced, that.
(For the sake of completeness, the remainder included one from the '80s, one from the '90s, and three from the '00s.)
Articles
Sherlock exec comments on Johnny Lee Miller Elementary casting
by Morgan Jeffery (from Digital Spy)
The controversial US series setting Sherlock Holmes in the modern day, Elementary, has cast Jonny Lee Miller as its lead. Miller appeared alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, star of the acclaimed British series setting Sherlock Holmes in the modern day, last year in Danny Boyle's production of Frankenstein. Producer of Sherlock Sue Vertue pithily comments, "let's hope their pilot script has stayed further away from our Sherlock than their casting choice."
by Morgan Jeffery (from Digital Spy)
The controversial US series setting Sherlock Holmes in the modern day, Elementary, has cast Jonny Lee Miller as its lead. Miller appeared alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, star of the acclaimed British series setting Sherlock Holmes in the modern day, last year in Danny Boyle's production of Frankenstein. Producer of Sherlock Sue Vertue pithily comments, "let's hope their pilot script has stayed further away from our Sherlock than their casting choice."
Wednesday 15 February 2012
TV
10 O'Clock Live
2x01 (8/2/12 edition)
It's back! (Has it really been almost a year? And over a year since it began? Crikey. Time flies.) I'm still watching it a week late! (I said time flies.) And if they have tweaked or changed the format you'd never know. It felt shorter, but they still made more mistakes than it's common to see on a live show. So it's still sort-of-quite-good, but still commendable for looking at the news in a slightly more accessible (read: funny) way than most programming.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Pointless
6x02 (14/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Room 101: Extra Storage
12x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x01 (8/2/12 edition)
It's back! (Has it really been almost a year? And over a year since it began? Crikey. Time flies.) I'm still watching it a week late! (I said time flies.) And if they have tweaked or changed the format you'd never know. It felt shorter, but they still made more mistakes than it's common to see on a live show. So it's still sort-of-quite-good, but still commendable for looking at the news in a slightly more accessible (read: funny) way than most programming.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Pointless
6x02 (14/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Room 101: Extra Storage
12x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Tuesday 14 February 2012
TV
Alexander Armstrong's Big Ask
1x02 Episode 2
Pointless
6x01 (13/2/12 edition)
There were 30 episodes in series one and two of Pointless... 50 episodes in series three... 60 episodes in series four and five... and now this one has 70! I guess that shows its continued widening success. And apparently the next celebrity specials will be on Saturday night BBC One, so that's nice for them.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x02 Episode 2
Pointless
6x01 (13/2/12 edition)
There were 30 episodes in series one and two of Pointless... 50 episodes in series three... 60 episodes in series four and five... and now this one has 70! I guess that shows its continued widening success. And apparently the next celebrity specials will be on Saturday night BBC One, so that's nice for them.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
IDW announce Doctor Who/Star Trek crossover
by Chuck Foster (from Doctor Who News)
That would be US comics publisher IDW Publishing, and this would be a new comic (presumably a miniseries) in which Matt Smith's Doctor meets the Star Trek: The Next Generation crew. It's called Assimilation², is rumoured to feature the Borg and the Cybermen, and begins in May. Chances of being able to pick it up over here: slim (apparently there's some contractual thing stopping IDW's Who comics being sold in the UK).
by Chuck Foster (from Doctor Who News)
That would be US comics publisher IDW Publishing, and this would be a new comic (presumably a miniseries) in which Matt Smith's Doctor meets the Star Trek: The Next Generation crew. It's called Assimilation², is rumoured to feature the Borg and the Cybermen, and begins in May. Chances of being able to pick it up over here: slim (apparently there's some contractual thing stopping IDW's Who comics being sold in the UK).
Monday 13 February 2012
TV
The Jonathan Ross Show
2x02 (14/1/12 edition)
Lots of catching up to do...
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Law & Order: UK
6x06 Dawn Till Dusk
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
5x05 (11/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Onion News Network
1x10 American Dream [season finale]
I was wondering why ONN had suddenly developed end credits. Answer (as I suspected): season finale.
2x02 (14/1/12 edition)
Lots of catching up to do...
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Law & Order: UK
6x06 Dawn Till Dusk
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
5x05 (11/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Onion News Network
1x10 American Dream [season finale]
I was wondering why ONN had suddenly developed end credits. Answer (as I suspected): season finale.
Comics
All Star Western #5 by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti & Moritat
Last issue I comment that "some of these 20-page comics feel brief, lightweight and not worth their cover price, while others pack so much in I'm counting the pages to check it's not a bumper-length edition." This is another example of that. The speed of storytelling, humour and strong plotting make this a great action/adventure/detective comic. Nice work all.
Back-up strip The Barbary Ghost continues too, again with solid art by Phil Winslade, though Gray and Palmiotti provide more clunky dialogue and a tale heavy on exposition, setting up next issue's (final?) part. I don't know if they're overworked or going for a different pulpier style, but I don't think these secondary stories work as well as the main Hex-starring one.
Animal Man #6 by Jeff Lemire, John Paul Leon & Travel Foreman
Remember how issue 1 mentioned Buddy Baker (aka Animal Man) had recently acted in a movie about a washed-up superhero? Well, here we get to see it... or the opening chunk of it anyway, before a clever conceit kicks in. It's a filler issue, certainly -- presumably needing to sync up with Swamp Thing or something -- but as filler issues go it's an excellent idea.
Wolverine and the X-Men #5 by Jason Aaron & Nick Bradshaw
This continues to be exactly the kind of X-Men comic I want to be reading: fun, accessible, not reliant on plot points from other books that I don't read, and with a darker edge at times. The slightly cartoony art sets the tone perfectly, actually. This isn't a kiddy book -- the T+ rating seems bang on -- but it is for people who like their comics to be enjoyable, rather than mired in decades of continuity and po-faced seriousness.
Articles
BitTorrent doesn't hurt US box-office, delayed international releases drive downloading
by Cory Doctorow (from boingboing)
Title says it all, really. Or, to expand a little:
by Cory Doctorow (from boingboing)
Title says it all, really. Or, to expand a little:
There's only one Internet, networked culture doesn't respect national boundaries. A particularly effective marketing campaign for a new release in America will stimulate demand in other countries, and if there's no legitimate way to fulfill demand, then some portion of viewers will choose illegitimate routes... the delayed release makes downloading easier and more attractive.
Sunday 12 February 2012
TV
The British Academy Film Awards 2012
As I think was expected, The Artist swept the board with seven awards, including Best Film, Director, Actor and Original Screenplay. Really looking forward to catching that when it comes to Blu-ray.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
4x11 Always Bet on Red
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 2nd March. Probably.]
As I think was expected, The Artist swept the board with seven awards, including Best Film, Director, Actor and Original Screenplay. Really looking forward to catching that when it comes to Blu-ray.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
4x11 Always Bet on Red
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 2nd March. Probably.]
Films
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
[#13 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
Unknown (2011)
[#12 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
[#13 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
Unknown (2011)
[#12 in 100 Films in a Year 2012]
DVD Extras
Unknown: The Story
Just an EPK featurette, which might be expected but is disappointing considering how much things change in the final act -- would've been interesting to hear the cast and crew discuss that, but naturally they're not giving it away in this promotional puff piece.
Just an EPK featurette, which might be expected but is disappointing considering how much things change in the final act -- would've been interesting to hear the cast and crew discuss that, but naturally they're not giving it away in this promotional puff piece.
this week on 100 Films
Just 1 new review was posted to 100 Films in a Year this week...
Glorious 39 (2009)
More next Sunday.
Glorious 39 (2009)
it creates a mood of creeping terror and dread; of an oppressive conspiracy that our hero, who’s just a fairly ordinary girl, has no chance of overturning — if it’s even real, and if she can find details about it if it is... you can never be sure where it’s going to go; never be sure who’s on the side of the angels and who of the devils; of who is reliable and what is really happening; of who will survive. What’s better in a thriller than not actually knowing what will come?Read more on my new blog or my classic blog.
More next Sunday.
Saturday 11 February 2012
TV
House
8x09 Better Half
Don't think this has started up again over here yet (if it has, I missed it), but they're three or four episodes into it Stateside so I thought I'd get going anyway.
The Magicians
2x05 Episode 5
The Singing Detective
Part 1 Skin
Dennis Potter's seminal 1986 drama, currently being repeated on BBC Four... but only on iPlayer for a week at a time, so I'm afraid I can't link to this one any more.
Top Gear
18x02 (5/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
8x09 Better Half
Don't think this has started up again over here yet (if it has, I missed it), but they're three or four episodes into it Stateside so I thought I'd get going anyway.
The Magicians
2x05 Episode 5
The Singing Detective
Part 1 Skin
Dennis Potter's seminal 1986 drama, currently being repeated on BBC Four... but only on iPlayer for a week at a time, so I'm afraid I can't link to this one any more.
Top Gear
18x02 (5/2/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Friday 10 February 2012
TV
The Graham Norton Show
10x13 (27/1/12 edition)
Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic
1x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
5x59 (3/2/12 edition)
5x60 (6/2/12 edition) [season finale]
And that's me caught up! Series 6 begins on Monday.
[Watch the 6/2/12 edition (again) on iPlayer.]
Stella
1x04 Episode 4
Stella was recommissioned this week, which is nice because it's good fun.
10x13 (27/1/12 edition)
Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic
1x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
5x59 (3/2/12 edition)
5x60 (6/2/12 edition) [season finale]
And that's me caught up! Series 6 begins on Monday.
[Watch the 6/2/12 edition (again) on iPlayer.]
Stella
1x04 Episode 4
Stella was recommissioned this week, which is nice because it's good fun.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
A couple of new things this week, but still not quite at 300 for Blu-rays. Next week... maybe... (It'll probably land on 301 now, which looks less pretty.)
Number of titles in collection: 1,448 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,149 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 299 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 3,592 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,538 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,417 [up 3]
See you next week, faithful reader.
A couple of new things this week, but still not quite at 300 for Blu-rays. Next week... maybe... (It'll probably land on 301 now, which looks less pretty.)
Number of titles in collection: 1,448 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,149 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 299 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 3,592 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,538 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,417 [up 3]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday 9 February 2012
TV
Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic
1x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Law & Order: UK
6x05 Line Up
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Pointless
5x58 (2/2/12 edition)
Roger & Val Have Just Got In
2x01 A Shock
I hadn't expected to see this quiet but excellent comedy-drama back, but I'm very glad it is. As mundane but brilliant as ever, with an intriguing new plot thread to guess at too -- what was outside the window? What's in the note?
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Room 101
12x03 Episode 3
No extended version this week thanks to the Super Bowl. Bloody Yanks.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Law & Order: UK
6x05 Line Up
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Pointless
5x58 (2/2/12 edition)
Roger & Val Have Just Got In
2x01 A Shock
I hadn't expected to see this quiet but excellent comedy-drama back, but I'm very glad it is. As mundane but brilliant as ever, with an intriguing new plot thread to guess at too -- what was outside the window? What's in the note?
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Room 101
12x03 Episode 3
No extended version this week thanks to the Super Bowl. Bloody Yanks.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wednesday 8 February 2012
TV
Alexander Armstrong's Big Ask
1x01 Episode 1
Missed the pilot of this last year (was it really on in May?!). Shame, because it's fun.
The Mentalist
4x10 Fugue in Red
Just forging on ahead now.
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 24th February. Probably.]
Pointless
5x57 (1/2/12 edition)
1x01 Episode 1
Missed the pilot of this last year (was it really on in May?!). Shame, because it's fun.
The Mentalist
4x10 Fugue in Red
Just forging on ahead now.
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 24th February. Probably.]
Pointless
5x57 (1/2/12 edition)
Comics
Animal Man
#4 by Jeff Lemire & Travel Foreman
#5 by Jeff Lemire, Travel Foreman & Steve Pugh
Dark as sin, with some of the most (deliberately) disgusting art I've ever seen, but brilliant stuff. Really can't believe it's only rated Teen+ though -- surely this is much tougher stuff than that implies?
Anyway, they're off to meet Swamp Thing next... or not. Quick Google search revealed that their much-discussed crossover is coming in the 12th issues, this summer. And there's also an annual about it. Christ, it does feel like you need to read the news to keep up with these things! It'd be nice if it was clear in advance in the comic itself how much crossover there'll be with Swamp Thing, because not every reader will read both (I'm not) and not everyone will have as much forethought as me to Google it.
That said, based on some of the stuff in this interview with Swamp Thing writer Scott Snyder, maybe I should double back and catch up... even though he specifically says, "We don't want you to feel like you have to read both books, at all. It's not that kind of thing."
Detective Comics #6 by Tony Salvador Daniel
That was a lot better -- a decent story, for one thing, even if the Penguin has nothing to do other than call other supervillains by their name so we know who they are; and if at times it felt like it was calling back to past stories/characters that it assumes the reader will know. That's the annoying thing about comics, and something I've always thought newcomers must have when watching something like Doctor Who: when there's a reference to a previous adventure, or the reveal of a villain, there's an element of "am I meant to know what that means?" And sometimes yes, they expect you to; and other times no, it's new to all viewers. Who is almost always the latter -- very little essential is based on fannish knowledge, and certainly not if it's something from the classic series. With comics... you never can be sure.
Most blatant was a reference to the current story in I, Vampire, which guest stars Batman. I'd been thinking about reading it anyway -- it's got Batman; I've thought I, Vampire sounds interesting -- but when it goes being so obviously called up... But there's no need to read it; it's not essential to this story. Which makes it the most pointless kind of reference, in a way; it plays like an uncomfortably obvious advert for another comic, because they've shoehorned it in for the sake of shoehorning it in. Oh well.
#4 by Jeff Lemire & Travel Foreman
#5 by Jeff Lemire, Travel Foreman & Steve Pugh
Dark as sin, with some of the most (deliberately) disgusting art I've ever seen, but brilliant stuff. Really can't believe it's only rated Teen+ though -- surely this is much tougher stuff than that implies?
Anyway, they're off to meet Swamp Thing next... or not. Quick Google search revealed that their much-discussed crossover is coming in the 12th issues, this summer. And there's also an annual about it. Christ, it does feel like you need to read the news to keep up with these things! It'd be nice if it was clear in advance in the comic itself how much crossover there'll be with Swamp Thing, because not every reader will read both (I'm not) and not everyone will have as much forethought as me to Google it.
That said, based on some of the stuff in this interview with Swamp Thing writer Scott Snyder, maybe I should double back and catch up... even though he specifically says, "We don't want you to feel like you have to read both books, at all. It's not that kind of thing."
Detective Comics #6 by Tony Salvador Daniel
That was a lot better -- a decent story, for one thing, even if the Penguin has nothing to do other than call other supervillains by their name so we know who they are; and if at times it felt like it was calling back to past stories/characters that it assumes the reader will know. That's the annoying thing about comics, and something I've always thought newcomers must have when watching something like Doctor Who: when there's a reference to a previous adventure, or the reveal of a villain, there's an element of "am I meant to know what that means?" And sometimes yes, they expect you to; and other times no, it's new to all viewers. Who is almost always the latter -- very little essential is based on fannish knowledge, and certainly not if it's something from the classic series. With comics... you never can be sure.
Most blatant was a reference to the current story in I, Vampire, which guest stars Batman. I'd been thinking about reading it anyway -- it's got Batman; I've thought I, Vampire sounds interesting -- but when it goes being so obviously called up... But there's no need to read it; it's not essential to this story. Which makes it the most pointless kind of reference, in a way; it plays like an uncomfortably obvious advert for another comic, because they've shoehorned it in for the sake of shoehorning it in. Oh well.
Articles
House Ends In May With The Conclusion Of Its Eighth Season – Official Statement
by Brendon Connelly (from Bleeding Cool)
They were taking so long over this I'd begun to assume it'd be recommissioned after all. Ah well. Goodbye, House -- you weren't always great, but you were always entertaining.
by Brendon Connelly (from Bleeding Cool)
They were taking so long over this I'd begun to assume it'd be recommissioned after all. Ah well. Goodbye, House -- you weren't always great, but you were always entertaining.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
TV
The Mentalist
4x09 The Redshirt
From being increasingly far behind Five -- sorry, Channel 5 --, to being ahead of them. That's what happens when you take too long bringing a US show back from its Christmassy break, British network. Not that they care. Or I, really. Just fancied watching it.
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 17th February.]
Pointless
5x56 (31/1/12 edition)
4x09 The Redshirt
From being increasingly far behind Five -- sorry, Channel 5 --, to being ahead of them. That's what happens when you take too long bringing a US show back from its Christmassy break, British network. Not that they care. Or I, really. Just fancied watching it.
[Watch it on Demand 5 from Friday 17th February.]
Pointless
5x56 (31/1/12 edition)
Comics
Justice League #5 by Geoff Johns & Jim Lee
Considering the pace this is moving at, I really don't see how they're going to wrap it all up next issue. Hope it doesn't feel too rushed, or too inconclusive. Still, some good stuff in here; though one senses Jim Lee is finding the monthly deadlines a bit much -- his pencils are looking quite a lot sketchier, I think. No wonder he's taking a multi-issue break after this arc.
Considering the pace this is moving at, I really don't see how they're going to wrap it all up next issue. Hope it doesn't feel too rushed, or too inconclusive. Still, some good stuff in here; though one senses Jim Lee is finding the monthly deadlines a bit much -- his pencils are looking quite a lot sketchier, I think. No wonder he's taking a multi-issue break after this arc.
Monday 6 February 2012
TV
Franklin & Bash
1x05 You Can't Take it With You
Needed something to watch fairly late at night; this seemed to be the last offensive thing on; turned out I quite liked it. Lightweight sure, but kinda fun.
Onion News Network
1x09 Real America
Particularly strong episode, I thought.
Pointless
5x55 (30/1/12 edition)
1x05 You Can't Take it With You
Needed something to watch fairly late at night; this seemed to be the last offensive thing on; turned out I quite liked it. Lightweight sure, but kinda fun.
Onion News Network
1x09 Real America
Particularly strong episode, I thought.
Pointless
5x55 (30/1/12 edition)
Comics
Aquaman #5 by Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis
Poor Aquaman: saving the world one issue, still getting the piss taken out of him the next. Intriguing new story launching out of the old one though.
Poor Aquaman: saving the world one issue, still getting the piss taken out of him the next. Intriguing new story launching out of the old one though.
Sunday 5 February 2012
TV
Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic
1x01 Episode 1
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
5x54 (27/1/12 edition)
Stella
1x03 Episode 3
Somehow they managed to broadcast the first half-hour of this without any sound... and then out of nowhere cut to The Simpsons. Good thing Virgin have added Sky Anytime this month.
1x01 Episode 1
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
5x54 (27/1/12 edition)
Stella
1x03 Episode 3
Somehow they managed to broadcast the first half-hour of this without any sound... and then out of nowhere cut to The Simpsons. Good thing Virgin have added Sky Anytime this month.
Articles
If 2012's Oscar-nominated movie posters told the truth
by Ali (from The Shiznit)
Hilarity.
Revisiting Alan Moore's Official Watchmen Prequel
by Timothy Callahan (from Comic Book Resources)
Amongst all the fuss around Before Watchmen, someone linked to this article from September 2008 looking back at the official Watchmen role-playing game, which was created with the help of Moore and Dave Gibbons while they were creating the very series on which it's based. Sounds fascinating, and a shame it's long out of print. Surely someone must have rights to re-print it?
by Ali (from The Shiznit)
Hilarity.
Revisiting Alan Moore's Official Watchmen Prequel
by Timothy Callahan (from Comic Book Resources)
Amongst all the fuss around Before Watchmen, someone linked to this article from September 2008 looking back at the official Watchmen role-playing game, which was created with the help of Moore and Dave Gibbons while they were creating the very series on which it's based. Sounds fascinating, and a shame it's long out of print. Surely someone must have rights to re-print it?
this week on 100 Films
Just one new review was posted to 100 Films in a Year this week...
2000 AD (2000)
We're now in February, as you may have noticed, so here's the monthly update for January.
And, as I linked to it on twitter, why not have a look at that on the new-look work-in-progress version of 100 Films. Feel free to have a look around there and let me know if you have any thoughts. Naturally the 2000 AD review is there too, as well as several others.
Yes, I know it's missing everything from before 2012 (for now). Aren't those chunky banner images -- different on every page -- awesome, though?
More next Sunday.
2000 AD (2000)
The centrepiece fist/foot fight takes place on the 32nd storey of a building. They really filmed it up there too. I learnt that from the DVD special features. It’s a shame, because you definitely get more of a feel for how dangerous and on the edge — literally — the fight was in some of the B-roll footage and interviews than you do from the movie itself: it’s covered almost entirely through low-angle shots, meaning it could just as well have been recreated on a ground-level mock-up as the actual rooftop.
We're now in February, as you may have noticed, so here's the monthly update for January.
And, as I linked to it on twitter, why not have a look at that on the new-look work-in-progress version of 100 Films. Feel free to have a look around there and let me know if you have any thoughts. Naturally the 2000 AD review is there too, as well as several others.
Yes, I know it's missing everything from before 2012 (for now). Aren't those chunky banner images -- different on every page -- awesome, though?
More next Sunday.
Saturday 4 February 2012
Comics
Batman and Robin #4 & #5 by Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Well, I never: Batman and Robin has moved (as I recently thought it might) from being a middling-to-weak Bat book that I was aiming to drop at the end of the story (gotta finish a story) to my second-favourite current Batman book (Batman is fairly unassailable as one of my favourites fullstop right now).
After the newbie-bothering past-looking setup of the first two issues, it's built into a new and engrossing story. It's not faultless -- Tomasi allows some scenes to toddle on too long, with Gleason's art not always intricate enough to justify some of the needless splash pages -- but, overall, it's an entertaining read.
And Alfred rescuing the titular duo with a remote-controlled Batplane? Win.
Batman: The Dark Knight #5 by David Finch & Paul Jenkins
That was... actually not as bad as it has been. Still fundamentally flawed, mind: it's far, far too short, shamelessly padded with splash pages, double-page splashes, and whole pages given over to a series of large panels conveying something that would have worked just as well in a single regular panel. So all this issue has is a Scarecrow-Batman fight followed by a Batman-Superman fight, albeit with a slight twist... but that's still all it is. And while much of Finch's art is good, I still hate his rendering of human faces.
This book was still on my ditch pile, hoping to reduce my comics spend, but just as that day begins to approach (#9 ends this story) they've gone and announced a new writer will take over after the current story: Gregg Hurwitz, who's just penned the highly-praised Penguin: Pain and Prejudice miniseries (which I now intend to catch up on). So I guess I'll keep it on a bit longer. Well played, DC.
Well, I never: Batman and Robin has moved (as I recently thought it might) from being a middling-to-weak Bat book that I was aiming to drop at the end of the story (gotta finish a story) to my second-favourite current Batman book (Batman is fairly unassailable as one of my favourites fullstop right now).
After the newbie-bothering past-looking setup of the first two issues, it's built into a new and engrossing story. It's not faultless -- Tomasi allows some scenes to toddle on too long, with Gleason's art not always intricate enough to justify some of the needless splash pages -- but, overall, it's an entertaining read.
And Alfred rescuing the titular duo with a remote-controlled Batplane? Win.
Batman: The Dark Knight #5 by David Finch & Paul Jenkins
That was... actually not as bad as it has been. Still fundamentally flawed, mind: it's far, far too short, shamelessly padded with splash pages, double-page splashes, and whole pages given over to a series of large panels conveying something that would have worked just as well in a single regular panel. So all this issue has is a Scarecrow-Batman fight followed by a Batman-Superman fight, albeit with a slight twist... but that's still all it is. And while much of Finch's art is good, I still hate his rendering of human faces.
This book was still on my ditch pile, hoping to reduce my comics spend, but just as that day begins to approach (#9 ends this story) they've gone and announced a new writer will take over after the current story: Gregg Hurwitz, who's just penned the highly-praised Penguin: Pain and Prejudice miniseries (which I now intend to catch up on). So I guess I'll keep it on a bit longer. Well played, DC.
Friday 3 February 2012
TV
The Graham Norton Show
10x12 (20/1/12 edition)
This feels so much shorter when it has a good array of guests on, and this was such an episode. The Madonna one, conversely, felt rather long.
Law & Order: UK
6x04 Trial
Ironically, a rare episode to not feature a proper trial. But it's named that for a different reason, so it is.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Pointless
5x52 (25/1/12 edition)
Room 101: Extra Storage
12x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
10x12 (20/1/12 edition)
This feels so much shorter when it has a good array of guests on, and this was such an episode. The Madonna one, conversely, felt rather long.
Law & Order: UK
6x04 Trial
Ironically, a rare episode to not feature a proper trial. But it's named that for a different reason, so it is.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Pointless
5x52 (25/1/12 edition)
Room 101: Extra Storage
12x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Comics
Resurrection Man
#4 by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning & Fernando Dagnino
#5 by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning & Fernando Blanco
I don't think this has quite lived up to the promise of its first issue so far, but (a #2 slump aside) it's pretty good. #5 is certainly different: mostly a big long flashback to when the hero was a bit of a bastard (too long, actually -- it could've been trimmed to far fewer pages), with lots of bits tying in to the current story, and then a rather fine cliffhanger to boot. Looking forward to the next one.
Uncanny X-Men #5 by Kieron Gillen & Greg Land
I was considering giving up on this after the last issue, but, though this is equally dependent on past events from other books, I actually quite enjoyed it and found it intriguing. So it's back to "wait and see".
#4 by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning & Fernando Dagnino
#5 by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning & Fernando Blanco
I don't think this has quite lived up to the promise of its first issue so far, but (a #2 slump aside) it's pretty good. #5 is certainly different: mostly a big long flashback to when the hero was a bit of a bastard (too long, actually -- it could've been trimmed to far fewer pages), with lots of bits tying in to the current story, and then a rather fine cliffhanger to boot. Looking forward to the next one.
Uncanny X-Men #5 by Kieron Gillen & Greg Land
I was considering giving up on this after the last issue, but, though this is equally dependent on past events from other books, I actually quite enjoyed it and found it intriguing. So it's back to "wait and see".
Articles
Right-wingers are less intelligent than left wingers, says study
by Rob Waugh (from Mail Online)
by Rob Waugh (from Mail Online)
Right-wingers tend to be less intelligent than left-wingers, and people with low childhood intelligence tend to grow up to have racist and anti-gay views... Conservative politics work almost as a 'gateway' into prejudice against others...Well, obviously.
people with low intelligence gravitate towards right-wing views because they make them feel safe.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
This week, those retailers didn't get their act together. Shame on you, TheHut and ChoicesUK. Goodness knows when -- if ever -- the stuff I'm expecting from them will turn up. But some stuff from some others did, so while I don't make it to 300 Blu-rays (I'd've been bang on if those sites had managed the expected), I'm close... so close...
Number of titles in collection: 1,446 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,148 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 298 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 3,589 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,537 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,414 [up 3]
See you next week, faithful reader.
This week, those retailers didn't get their act together. Shame on you, TheHut and ChoicesUK. Goodness knows when -- if ever -- the stuff I'm expecting from them will turn up. But some stuff from some others did, so while I don't make it to 300 Blu-rays (I'd've been bang on if those sites had managed the expected), I'm close... so close...
Number of titles in collection: 1,446 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,148 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 298 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 3,589 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,537 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 5,414 [up 3]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday 2 February 2012
TV
Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic
1x03 Episode 3
A magic show for kids... but just because some of the tricks are do-at-home simple, it doesn't mean there isn't some great magic in here too. Even if the constant replays are a bit repetitive. (I didn't mean to watch episode three first -- blame the oddities of Virgin Media catch-up.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
5x51 (24/1/12 edition)
Top Gear
18x01 (29/1/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x03 Episode 3
A magic show for kids... but just because some of the tricks are do-at-home simple, it doesn't mean there isn't some great magic in here too. Even if the constant replays are a bit repetitive. (I didn't mean to watch episode three first -- blame the oddities of Virgin Media catch-up.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Pointless
5x51 (24/1/12 edition)
Top Gear
18x01 (29/1/12 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
DVD Extras
Interviews with Andrew Lin and Gordon Chan on 2000 AD
Relatively lengthy and interesting chats with the villain and director (respectively) of 2000 AD. The director repeats some of what he had to say in the commentary, but it seems to me that's fairly inevitable.
Relatively lengthy and interesting chats with the villain and director (respectively) of 2000 AD. The director repeats some of what he had to say in the commentary, but it seems to me that's fairly inevitable.
Comics
Action Comics #4 by Grant Morrison & Rags Morales
Solid story from Morrison and Morales' art is generally very good, apart from the part of the story where he causes much confusion (in me, anyway) by drawing two characters to look identical. All the more 'impressive' considering one's white and one's black.
Nice use of the backup strip this issue: titled Hearts of Steel, written by Sholly Fisch and excitingly drawn by Brad Walker, with beautiful colouring by Jay David Ramos, it expands on a part of the main story there wasn't room to tell in the primary strip itself.
Also, shame I hadn't got to this issue before my nearly-three-month break in reading -- the story now takes a break until #7, so that's another couple of months gap for me.
Solid story from Morrison and Morales' art is generally very good, apart from the part of the story where he causes much confusion (in me, anyway) by drawing two characters to look identical. All the more 'impressive' considering one's white and one's black.
Nice use of the backup strip this issue: titled Hearts of Steel, written by Sholly Fisch and excitingly drawn by Brad Walker, with beautiful colouring by Jay David Ramos, it expands on a part of the main story there wasn't room to tell in the primary strip itself.
Also, shame I hadn't got to this issue before my nearly-three-month break in reading -- the story now takes a break until #7, so that's another couple of months gap for me.
Wednesday 1 February 2012
Articles
DC Entertainment Officially Announces Before Watchmen
by David Hyde (from The Source at DC Comics)
A series of prequel series to Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons' seminal '80s comic. There's been a lot of reporting on this today and I haven't had a chance to read most of it, so maybe I'll share more links tomorrow.
by David Hyde (from The Source at DC Comics)
A series of prequel series to Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons' seminal '80s comic. There's been a lot of reporting on this today and I haven't had a chance to read most of it, so maybe I'll share more links tomorrow.
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