Film, TV, Games, Music
This Month: Road to Perdition, Red Dragon,
The Office, Super Mario Sunshine, Hoggboy, JJ72
Road to Perdition is a film that explores the complex relationship between father and son. Michael Sullivan (Hanks) is a hitman working for John Rooney (Newman). He keeps his job hidden from his children until the elder son; Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin) witnesses his father commit murder. Hanks has to now choose between his own family and his surrogate father, Roony.
The film concentrates mainly on Michael Jr. coming to terms with the knowledge of what his father does and the realisation that he never really knew who his father was. Also highlighted is the torn loyalty Rooney feels for both his real son (Daniel Craig) and his adopted son (Hanks). The film proves the old saying ‘blood is thicker than water. Paul Newman gives a magnificent performance as always and reminds you of what great Hollywood actors should be like. Tom Hanks feels a little undeveloped and his reasons for becoming a hitman are never given. Jude Law plays Maguire, the man assigned to kill Hanks. For this role, Law was famously ‘made ugly’- yet this seems to have been a wasted effort as he is nothing more than a bit player, shamelessly underused. The real star of the film is Tyler Hoechlin, whose portrayal of young Michael Sulivan gives a fascinating insight into the angst he feels towards his father.
Sam Mendes sticks to his theatre roots and places much emphasis on the cinematography, resulting in a film that is visually fantastic and looks epic. The only complaint about this is that the characters are consequently neglected in favour of oscar winning photography.
All in all, this film is extremely well made and directed with superb acting.
4/5
RED DRAGON
Red Dragon is a remake of the original Hannibal Lecter film; Manhunter. This version sees Edward Norton as the FBI agent, Will Graham who successfully placed Lecter behind bars. However, Lecter almost killed Graham causing him to retire from the FBI- until he is asked to help solve the gruesome murders committed by Francis Dollarhyde (Ralph Fiennes).
This movie sees Anthony Hopkins reprising his role of Lecter, and he is back behind bars once again giving him that terrifying persona which he had in Silence of the Lambs (but lost in Hannibal). The scenes between Hopkins and Norton in the prison are electric and reminiscent of his encounters with Clarice Starling.
This is a well directed film with excellent performances from both the main and supporting actors. The ending of Red Dragon is unique in that it does not immediately give the audience the obvious conclusion which they should expect. For lovers of Hanibal Lecter films, I would highly reccommend this film. It is far superior to the tiresome Hannibal but is not as scary or inventive as Silence of the Lambs. Despite that minor drawback however, it is well worth seeing.
4/5
TV: THE OFFICE
What can I say about The Office that hasn't already been written? Not a lot, probably, since after the success of the first series the media has been eagerly awaiting the second installment, analysing what makes it so good. And the simple conclusion? It's funny because it's true. Anyone who has worked in a boring job, be it in an office, shop or factory floor, knows someone like the supremely hideous office manager David Brent and his gang of pathetic underlings.
Thankfully, Ricky Gervais hasn't rested on his laurels following his initial success. The second series is shaping up to be even better than the first. Brent (Gervais) is still as odious as ever, and his relentless desire to be popular, awful jokes, and ill-received motivational speeches carry the show. But this series, he seems even more cringeworthy than ever. I can sit through the most gruesome horror films and steamiest sex scenes without so much as flinching, but two minutes of Brent's excruciating speeches, and his subsequent lame attempts to cover his back reduced me to watching the screen through my fingers.
This is not to suggest that Brent is the only character worth watching. Providing some welcome relief to his antics is the antagonism between his sidekick Gareth (Mackenzie Crook) and the newly-promoted Tim (Martin Freeman). Gareth is at least as obnoxious as Brent, while Tim is becoming by far the most likable character. His pranks on Gareth, and his unsteady flirting triangle with receptionist Dawn (Lucy Davis) and new girl Stacy Roca providing a realistic and strangely touching picture of office life, romance and unrequited love.
British comedy dead? No way. David Brent is rapidly shaping up to be the new Basil Fawlty - what's the betting we'll still be watching the reruns in thirty years time? See them for the first time on Mondays at 10pm on BBC2.
TV Reviewer Richard Simmons identifies with Gareth most, because he too is a mindless automaton with no sense of fun
GAMES: SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE
A packed Autumn - Winter release schedule kicks off with a real gem. The first Mario adventure in six long years; games just don’t come any bigger than this.
The first thing you should know about Super Mario Sunshine is that you should buy it. Now! If you already own it, then you should be playing in. Now!
You see (those of you still reading) for me to start this review by invoking the memory of this games illustrious heritage would be to unfairly dwarf its own considerable achievements. SMS is not only the latest installment of perhaps the most universally revered videogame series ever, but also the follow-up to Super Mario - otherwise known as The Best Game Ever.
Arguably, no game could ever hope to be as significant as Mario was back in 1996. It created the 3D template for others to follow, but that doesn’t mean innovation cannot still flourish today. Most of the pre-release hype surrounding SMS, for example, focused on Mario’s acquisition of a unique backpack-cum-water cannon which our portly hero uses to wash away polluting goop, hover in mid-air, rocket into the sky and much more besides. For such a radical alteration to his tried and tested formula (it really does feel different), Nintendo’s game design guru Shigeru Miyamoto should be applauded.
Refreshingly, SMS is closer in spirit to the tight, fast-paced gameplay of classic 2D platformers than the item-collecting drudgery of most 3D adventures (post-Mario). The level design is more focused than that of its predecessor, but the game never bogs down with strict, linear progression, and the ability to hop between worlds is as liberating as ever.
With lush visuals, a seamless game structure and sparkling level design, SMS is a celebration of Mario past and present, fusing the skill-testing of his 2D adventures with the exploration based challenges and the freedom of Mario.
Questions should be raised, however, as to whether or not the series is moving forwards enough. For the most part, SMS consolidates rather than innovates, and by referencing and revelling in its own predecessors’ legacies it can appear somewhat quaint in comparison.
On the other hand, it is clear that in the wake of Mario, it was the platform genre that suffered most noticeably. Copy-cat Mario-alikes failed, almost without exception, to create any memorable gaming experiences. SMS, then, takes the platformer back to its roots somewhat. As with the excellent Rayman 2, its deceptively simple and instantly compelling, just-one-more-go template harks back to the traditional allure of the 2D platform game, opting instead for the more successfully executed adventure games which have emerged in the 3D era- Tomb Raider, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, etc. So, where Mario blurred generic boundaries, SMS reaffirms the series identity.
But let’s not wallow in nostalgia. Despite its classic roots, SMS is as fresh and invigorating a gaming experience as you could hope to find in 2002, and a timely reminder for developers of how to utterly charm and captivate and audience. Mario has returned in another immaculate platformer, a true classic in its own right whose quality outshines anything released so far this year.
Andrew Fletcher is Games Reviewer for the Mutt's Nuts.
MUSIC: HOGGBOY
Kelly Ellis looks at one of the North’s up and coming rock groups.
First words that spring to mind? Exciting, refreshing and very rock ‘n’ roll! This band managed to tempt producer Chris Thomas (who has worked with bands as great as The Sex Pistols, Pulp and The Beatles) out of retirement to produce their debut album or 8? When watching them, it is easy to see why. The cosiness of The Louisana was displaced as soon as this leather clad foursome stepped on stage. They like heavy guitar sounds, smoking, getting their kit off and sound like stereotypical rock band wannabes. However, their music is surprisingly mature.
The band started loud by opening with the first track from their album, Left & Right. Lead singer, Hogg’s shouty vocals, the throbbing bass and squally guitars got the crowds heads nodding violently. From that point, the heads didn’t stop until the end. In fact, many were at risk from falling off in Feelgood, upside down, and the first class Shouldn’t Let the Side Down. Guitar interlude, Cool me Suck revealed that the lads are capable of creating that deep, down and dirty sound (think Ocean Colour Scene's intro to The Riverboat Song touched up by BRMC). Highlight of the evening has to be Urgh!!! This exposes Mr Hogg as a talented vocalist.
The lazy vibrato in his tones is contrasted with his energetic outbursts. The naive should cover their ears whilst listening to this one- and possibly close their eyes! The only disappointment of the evening was the bands urgency to get last orders in rather than give the crowd more. However, The Sheffield four were remarkable for a young band. Catch them on this tour at more intimate venues, as it could be your last chance. In my opinion (which is supported by music biggies like Steve Lamacq and NME, if you don’t believe me) these lads are about to hit the big time and the next time we see them they will be tiny dots on a big stage. You heard it here first!
JJ72
Bernice Denby gives her view on a feisty band from the Emerald Isle.
JJ72 came to the Bristol Academy for the first leg of their tour on the 21st of October, coinciding with the release of their new album, I to Sky.With the hit song October Swimmer still echoing around my head, what can I say about this unique band? Strange and beautiful are the words that come to mind. Their music is a kind of indie rock with a twist. The lead singer has a completely original voice, like no other I’ve ever heard, as well as being extremely cheeky looking! Hillary Woods on bass provides eye candy for the lads. The crowd of fans went crazy when they sang classics like Snow and Oxygen from their debut album, JJ72.
They played the perfect balance between old and new tracks as they introduced their second album. Stunning songs from their new CD include ‘Formula and Always and Forever. JJ72 cannot be compared with any other band, as they stand alone with their totally original lyrics, music and vocals, all provided by Mark Grearey.
JJ72 are one of the few bands who can perform with such fresh originality and show so clearly how much they love what they are doing. But then again, who wouldn’t love being a rock star?!
They are now touring the rest of the UK promoting their long-awaited second album, so if you can catch them in the next few weeks, I’d seriously recommend it! Look them up on www.jj72.com
Go back to November issue home page
Top 10 Films of the month are:
1. Signs
2. Road to Perdition
3. Red Dragon
4. Van Wilder, Party Liason
5. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
6. Sweetest Thing
7. The Bourne Identity
8. XxX
9. The Sum Of All Fears
10 My Little Eye
