Film, TV, Theatre, Games, Music
This Issue: Two Weeks Notice, February Top 10, Retro Replay: The Long Good Friday, Coming in 2003,
8 Mile Soundtrack, G-Meter, A Tribute to Joe Strummer, The Getaway, Harold Pinter's Betrayal
Two Weeks Notice
The romantic comedy has returned to the big screen in true Hollywood style, but has Two Weeks Notice got what it takes? Claire Botwright finds out...
2003 is shaping up to be the year when Hollywood stars get set to try their hand at a bit of light romantic comedy. Within the next few months we will see Ralph Fiennes hitting our screens in Maid In Manhattan with j-lo as his co star, Colin Firth starring in Hope Springs and Two Weeks Notice is no exception. Simply by starring the genre king Hugh Grant sets this film off to a head start and with Sandra Bullock as his co star the film is destined to be a hit.
The pure "opposites attract" formula often found in romantic comedy is as evident as ever, and in true Hollywood style Two Weeks Notice sees Lucy (Bullock) a politically conscious lawyer end up working for hopelessly irresponsible New York property developer George (Grant). Soon Lucy becomes indispensable to George, especially as it seems he is incapable of even choosing his own tie each day! Soon enough Lucy decides enough is enough and hands in her notice, only to realise her replacement (Witt) has more than a professional interest in George. The question is however; will his abuse of her professional talents get in the way of true love flourishing?
As in many romantic comedies of today this film is not full of surprises, but it is warm and definitely funny. Grant and Bullock make a great team and the sexual chemistry is obvious between them, making the whole narrative just that little bit more believable. The only danger is that both Grant and Bullock are going to become stereotyped into these roles, Grant as a dithering English man (think About A Boy and Bridget Jones) and Bullock as one of those ditzy, clumsy, unglamorous but beautiful underneath characters (think Miss Congeniality and While You Were Sleeping).
Although Two Weeks Notice is definitely a girlie flick, the humour between the two stars can be enjoyed by everyone, however the main advantage this film holds is not the story line but putting both Grant and Bullock together on screen for the first time. Nevertheless they do work well together and their combined star wattage and comic talent will draw the audiences in.
Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock get cosy in Two Weeks Notice (left), while Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves (right) will reprise their roles as Trinity and Neo in two Matrix sequels due out this year.
By Claire Botwright
1. Two Weeks Notice (12A)
Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant
For all girlie flick lovers out there this is the perfect film for you! A classic quote from the film is, Her: "I think you are the most selfish human being on the planet!" Him, "Don't be silly. Have you met everyone on the planet?" Another classic film starring two of our favourite Hollywood stars!!
*****
2. 8 Mile (15)
Eminem, Brittany Murphy
This film follows a week in the life of a young American, aspiring to become a rapper, closely following Eminem's rise to fame. The film is the stars acting debut and is defiantly worth watching, especially if you are a fan. It is worth watching just for the rapping sessions.
****
3. Chicago (12A)
Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones
Not only does this film include all of the big Hollywood stars of the moment but this adaptation of the stage hit Chicago is a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation and adultery. Definitely another for the girls!
****
4. Catch Me If You Can (15)
Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks
Spielberg seems to follow blockbuster after blockbuster and his new production seems to be following tradition. This film is an adaptation of a true story about a teenage con artist who passed himself off as a doctor, pilot and lawyer, and an added bonus is that it stars Leo!
***
5. About Schmidt (15)
Jack Nicholson, Hope Davis
Once again Jack Nicholson is subject to the Oscar rumours but this time it is for his appearance in this new black comedy. This film is about a retired widower who spends every waking moment trying to obstruct his daughter's marriage to a waterbed sales man.
**
6. Gangs Of New York (18)
Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis
Martin Scorsese's epic tale of 1860s New York gang warfare holds performances of passion and excitement. Although it is quite easy to see from watching this film that it was previously a much longer film, it is defiantly worth investigating, if only for the directional vision.
**
7. I-Spy (12A)
Eddie Murphy, Owen Wilson
Previously Wilson has starred in hits such as Meet The Parents, Zoolander and Behind Enemy Lines and from his performance in this film too it is clear he has the makings of a big star. Here Wilson plays an over sensitive spy forced to partner conceited boxing champ Murphy for his latest assignment.
***
8. Final Destination 2 (15)
Ali Larter, AJ Cook
Three years after the original Final Destination hit the big screen with Devon Sawa and friends chased to death; this sequel repeats the winning formula once again. Much the same but will still have you on the edge of your seats!
***
9. Punch-Drunk Love (15)
Adam Sandler, Emily Watson
This film begins with a bang and ends in true love; however the middle bit is weird and just keeps getting weirder. Barry Egan (Sandler) is an obsessive who was traumatised by his seven totally mad sisters during childhood making relationships with women very difficult and often lands himself in a lot of trouble!
**
10. LOTR: The Two Towers (12A)
Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen
Although it has been out for what seems like forever Lord Of The Rings is still showing at cinemas this month, so if you have not seen it yet, now is the time to do it! Even better than the first Lord Of The Rings, this sequel has more battle screens, gripping story line and of course the famous Gollum.
*****
Our film expert, Natalie Kay looks ahead to the biggest films which will be hitting the big screen in 2003.
2003 looks set to be a year dominated by big special effects blockbusters and comic book action. Daredevil is the first Marvel comic adaptation of the year. Starring Ben Affleck as the blind superhero and featuring Jennifer Gerner and Colin Farell as his nemises’, this is set to make big money at the box office - sequels are already in the pipeline!
Ang Lee’s The Hulk, starring Eric Bana (Black Hawk Down) is scheduled for a summer release and would dominate the schedules if it were not for X-Men 2 and Spider Man 2. Judging by their previous successes, these two sequels will reap huge box office takings.
Arnold Schwazzenagar is back to reprise his role as The Terminator in the third installment of the massive franchise. The absence of Linda Hamilton (who plays Sarah Connor) will be felt, but hopefully this loss will be eased by Claire Danes who will be playing Arnie’s unbelievable love interest! In December, the final film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy; The Return of the King will be released. Hopefully, this will conclude all events and see the ring finally destroyed - but I have a feeling that the finale will be much darker than that...
When The Matrix was released all those years ago, we were told that it was part of a trilogy - and then we heard no more. Well, the wait is finally over with The Matrix Reloaded out in May, followed by Matrix: Revolutions in November. Another sequel with a slightly smaller budget is Bad Boys 2. The original movie was a massive success and Will Smith has achieved mega stardom since then - this movie will therefore be a guaranteed hit.
Tarantino returns to the golden screen with Kill Bill, his first film since Jackie Brown. Kill Bill features Uma Thurman in the starring role as an amnesiac assasin called ‘The Bride’.
Also due for release in the summer is the big Hollywood remake of The Italian Job. Set in Los Angles, the remake stars Edward Norton and a whole bevy of stars. They obviously didn’t study the original, otherwise they would realize that it was perfect and didn’t need any improving! Have they not seen Sly Stallone’s version of Get Carter?!
Colin Farell is having a busy year with Daredevil, Phonebooth and The Recruit (with Al Pacino) scheduled for a release. Phonebooth is a thriller which focuses entirely of Farell as he stumbles upon a terrorist plot and discovers that he will be killed if he leaves the phone booth... sounds very strange yet highly compelling.
Adam Sandler returns to comedy after his straight performance in Punch Drunk Love. He will be teaming up with Jack, ‘here’s Johnny’, Nicholson in Anger Management in which Nicholson plays the anger management therapist who has a few issues of his own.
Lastly, one of my favourite directors, Kevin Smith, is back with Jersey Girl. This movie stars Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez and his is breakaway film from the highly successful characters, Jay and Silent Bob.
There we are then. All in all, it looks set to be a good year for movies, especially if they feature comic book characters!
Retro Replay is a new addition to The Mutt’s Nuts, which aims to assess classic films from yester-year. Our first contender is a classic gangster film from the early 1980's…
THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY (1980)
Director: John MacKenzie
If you are fed up with the continuous British gangster films that have been churning out since the late 90's (Keep out of the way of Essex Boys and Gangster No 1), that have no regard for quality, then you'll love The Long Good Friday, a film that shows you how British gangster films should really be done.
The Long Good Friday was created by 'Hand Made Films', a company which the late George Harrison took great interest in (he provided the financial support). 'Hand Made Films' were also responsible for two of the best British films ever made; Withnail and I and Monty Python's Life of Brian (don't forget 1981's ‘Time Bandits'! - Ed)
The Long Good Friday tells us about the fall of a self-made London crime boss, Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins); who is seen as an orator for Thatcherism due to his plans for re-developing London's docklands. This gives the impression that Shand is a bit of a patriot.
The plot of the film involves a simple gang turf war between Shand's Corporation and an unknown group who "play Guy Fawkes" with his Rolls Royce, and blow up his pub that has "real old London character". A number of other incidents also occur, including Shand's gay best mate (Paul Freeman) being inconveniently stabbed in a men's changing room. Shand goes on a rampage across London, in attempt to investigate who is behind the attacks.
However, time begins to run out when his business partners (an American and his Lawyer; somehow they always go around in two’s) find out about the incidents and tell him that he has 24 hours to clear everything up- or they leave. Shand round's up the usual suspects and, in one of the films most memorable sequences, he integrates them whilst they are dangled upside down on meat hooks. He soon finds out that the IRA are behind the attacks and sets out to start a war with them.
The storyline does become stale and tiring at times and, even though it is a great British film, the camera-work can appear very dull and uninspired. It all seems like it should have been made as an episode of 'The Bill'.
But what makes the film a winner compared to other films in the genre is Barrie Keeffe's script and the explosive acting of both Hoskins criminal boss and Helen Mirren, who portrays a devoted wife trying to keep Harold's collapsing world stable.
Hoskins’ bulldog attitude demonstrates that, when it comes to gangster films, small, plump looking guys can be very dangerous (this also applies to Joe Pesci; in Goodfellas and Casino!). Throughout the film; Hoskins is the pusher of the scene and towers over many of the actors with incredible rage.
While Hoskins’ ballistic performance is superb, it does take our interest off some of the other minor performances; such as two major actors from Guy Ritchie's crime caper, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels; P. H. Moriaty (Hatchet Harry) who, in The Long Good Friday, is known as 'The Human Spirograph'; and try to pin-point Alan Ford (who does appear in Lock Stock; but has a larger role in Snatch as Brick Top). A bigger shock is the appearance of Pearce Brosnan as an IRA hit man. But even more shocking in the cast, is the inclusion of Derek Thompson (yeah, that's right, the grey haired nurse, Charlie from ‘Casualty’) who appears as Shand's right hand man. But it is Hoskins' performance (as I have already stated) that is the icing on the cake. Any actor thinking about playing a London gangster should study it.
Rating: 9/10
James Harrison
Availability:
VHS: Can be found on Paramount Home Video.
DVD: The film can be found on a very new, very average DVD that could have been a lot better. It is currently very cheap on www.play.com
8 Mile Soundtrack
Rap superstar Eminem’s performance in 8 Mile has undoubtably been a number one hit in the UK, and the soundtrack parallels the success of the film. The songs consist of a mixture of upbeat hip-hop and heavy baselines, combined with the more chilled vocals of, for example, Macy Gray. With rap artists such as D12, XZIBIT, Jay-Z, and NAS performing trackson the album, this compilation for the long-awaited motion picture can’t go far wrong. Highly reccomended for hip-hop enthusiasts and avid fans of the movie.
4/5
More Music from 8 Mile
This compilation contains more smash hits from the film, including the funky beats of track 4: ‘Feel Me Flow’ (Naughty By Nature), which will make you wanna get your groove on every time you hear it (okay, I hope that’s not just me)! The album also encapsulates sounds of the old skool from the late Notorious B.I.G. to the vocals of Mary J, who collaborates with Method Man to produce an intoxicating soulful sound. Once again a mix of fast and slower tempos, with quality tracks from Mobb Deep, Jr Mafia, as well as MC Breed and rap legend 2pac Shakur. All in all a good listen!
4/5
Jay-Z: ‘The Blueprint 2’
Not quite as good a listen as I was expecting from Mr Jigga-Man, especially considering some of the artis1ts featured, icluding Faith Evans, Truth Hurts, TLC’s LaToiya Williams and Twista. Hip-hop meets rock in ‘Guns & Roses’ featuring Lenny Kravitz which results in a very unique and contrasting sound to the other twenty four tracks, but actually works quite well. The catchy beats of tracks featuring Sean Paul and the remix of ‘U Don’t Know’ with M.O.P. provide a good listen to this bizarre collection of tunes. Jay-Z is clearly trying to extend his army of fans by experimenting with other performers, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work. Ultimately, the 2003 remix of the overplayed ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ gets my vote as the best track on the album.
2/5
Alice Barnard
Gig Review:
G-Meter @ The Louisiana : 29th Jan 2003
Until recently the band have been playing under the name of 'Milk' but unfortunately a U.S. band has already nabbed that - hence the name change. This four-piece band gave a stunning showcase performance to a packed house on a wet Wednesday night in January (proof that the Bristol music grapevine is as effective as ever!). Everyone there was waiting in anticipation to hear the band that could be the best thing to come out of Bristol in a long time.
Their music is so eclectic it almost defies definition - but I'll give it a go! Try to imagine the vocal harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash (am I showing my age now?) mixed with the energy of The Who (I'm doing it again) and stonkingly powerful riffs akin to Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath & Hendrix (back in a minute - just off to collect my pension!) But don't despair you hip young things, there's also elements of Queens of the Stone-Age, Smashing Pumpkins and at one stage, an excited audience member shouted "move-over Foo Fighters!" Their set was full of surprises with slick tempo, style and time changes throughout.
The musical talent in this band is exceptional; the innovative drumming of Ian Matthews and the gorgeously meaty bass-lines of Shane Roynon, provided the solid foundation needed in order for Stew and Jerry to show off their excellent guitar playing skills. Songs like, 'Pig', 'Dumb Show', 'Dead Things' and 'Shoeshine', demonstrated Jackson's ability to write interesting lyrics without relying on the tired, conventional subjects of love and relationships for inspiration. His confident lead vocals were also complimented by some great three-part harmonies - (yes, there is a God - 4 lads who can all sing and play at the same time!)
The lads are currently in management talks and completing their CD. So, if you're serious about your music and want to see an intelligent indie/rock band that are not a bunch of idle shoe-gazers - catch them next at The Fleece & Firkin on 27the February.
When asked if the lads had any words of wisdom for UWE students, Stew replied, "Keep on studenting" and Shane said, "Don't blame the buses" - (how did he know?!!)
Venue Info: The Louisiana, Wapping Rd, Bristol (5 mins. walk from city centre - see map).
What? Large 2-storey pub - performance area upstairs.
When? Live music 5-6 nights a week.
Wonga?This showcase gig was free, but usually bands charge between £3 - 4 for admission. No NUS discount but save £1.00 by booking in advance.
Drink? Pint of Miller £2.40; Vodka & Orange £1.70 (plus various promotional drinks offers as well!).
Wheelchair Access? Good for actual pub, but bands play upstairs.
What's on?
08/03/03: Arthur O + support from Soma & White Trash Ambition.
15/03/03: Broke + support from The Damons.
20/03/03: Rosco.
For further information Tel: (0117) 926 5978
Tina Horwood
A Tribute to Joe Strummer
Dimitris Kotselis pays a fond tribute to the Clash’s driving force.
This is not an obituary. But the sad fact remains: Uncle Joe is no longer with us. I must admit that something died inside my heart when I heard the news. Joe Strummer had been a ‘teacher’ of mine.
Although I loved the ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ LP, I was never fully tuned in with the idea of The Sex Pistols as icons. They were as angry and self-destructive as I was and no one could blame them. It’s just that with the Clash, I’ve always believed that although they resembled the Pistols, they were giving it a bit more thought. Joe Strummer was a thinker and that was reflected in his lyrics. He’s helped generations of people to relieve their anger, express themselves through music and be united as much as possible. The Clash realized that Punk-Rock as a musical form could develop and embody a variety of influences such as reggae, dub and ska. The ‘Sandinista’ LP is the perfect example.
Uncle Joe’s influence on music is global. Every Rock ‘n Roll musician in Greece will tell you the same thing. This is why the best English speaking R’n’R bands of Greece are organising a tribute to the man and his music. People will try to turn the Rude Boy into a saint. I’m begging them not to do it. He was just a human being and an exceptional artist.
Oh, and one last thing: he fought the law, but did the law win? Not Uncle Joe, man, not him!
A Brilliant Act of Betrayal
Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, Bristol Old Vic, 31st January- 1st March.
This is a much publicised run of Harold Pinter's play, even warranting an appearance on the coveted "This Morning" sofa by actor Simon Shepherd, you'll know his face if you don't know his name. So it was with high expectations that I ventured along to this performance at the Old Vic's Theatre Royal.
Betrayal details the love triangle of a wife, Emma, her husband Robert and his best friend, Jerry. The play begins with the awkward meeting in a pub of the adulterous couple, Emma and Jerry two years after the end of their affair. This meeting sparks off a journey back through time as past events and revelations are exposed to the audience through snapshots of action.
Pinter's writing comes through clearly in this production with the language dominating the piece. It is so well crafted that it would be hard to perform it badly. As the play unfolds different levels of emotion are displayed as the peaks of excitement for the adulterous couple are reached and subside.
This play seems to appeal to our need to be voyeurs, watching the ins and outs of the relationships of others. It almost seems like a heightened and more expertly crafted soap opera full of the obligatory secrets and lies. It is certainly entertaining and easy to watch. Despite the levels of emotion dealt with in terms of the subject matter the play never descends into melodrama and maintains its watchability.
In fact Pinter seems to have achieved something remarkable in that despite dealing with intense emotions and personal relationships the presentation of the characters remains rather superficial. We do not sympathise with the characters so much as their situation. This may be a reflection of the construction of the play, in travelling backward through time the emotions don't build up in the way that they might with a linear narrative. Each scene is distinctly separate from the one before despite being connected by characters and circumstances.
It is clearly a close-knit cast, with only three main actors interacting with each other throughout. The actors create a great sense of awkwardness in their scenes. Meetings generally take place between these characters in pairs where references to the third person always lead to hasty replies or stilted silences. The most interesting scenes of course are those where all three characters appear onstage together and the tension leaps out at the knowing spectator. Although knowing is probably not an apt term for the audience as there is a sense that the whole truth will never be revealed. Different versions of events are given to characters creating an overall sense of ambiguity.
The actors are all familiar faces, having appeared in numerous television and theatre productions and achieve a good overall performance, although the impression is that they are not being overly stretched in the roles. The performances provide the necessary superficiality we do not seem to glimpse anything deeper although that is probably attributed to Pinter's use of language, which certainly upstages all the actors.
The performances were humourous and believable in terms of the plot although as I heard one woman remark during the interval "None of them are likable characters". This is probably why upon leaving the theatre none of the actors were especially memorable, they were there to simply serve the purpose of the play. They did this well, helping to create the necessary level of tension and sense of awkwardness.
I enjoyed the productions handling of the material; it never gave way to heaviness and finished quite abruptly leaving the audience wanting more. It was ambiguous throughout; especially at the end, which was rather ironic considering it, was really the beginning in terms of the plot. We knew what happened next yet we felt as though still questions were left unanswered.
My only criticism would be the manner in which the passage of time was dealt with. A snowstorm effect with lights and eerie music that would have been more at home in a horror film did seem rather a laboured way of approaching this step back in time. By the end of the play its continuous repetition became almost laughable. The year was projected onto the set at every new scene so maybe they could have done without this. The shifting of time kept the audience on their toes trying to work out at which point in relationships had been reached. And I suppose the time travelling adds to comedy value if nothing else.
I would certainly recommend this play. It is a good night out and accessible to all; funny and thought provoking.
Tickets cost from £5 - £20 although concession prices are only available from Monday to Thursday, the cheapest seats don't have a good view. If you don't mind leaving it to the last minute the best plan is to go to the theatre at 6pm and get "Standby seats" which are just £6 subject to availability, if you're lucky you may get good seats near the front worth £20. If you don't live in the centre you can always have a few drinks while you wait for the performance.
Box Office: 0117 987 7877
www.bristol-old-vic.co.uk
Vicki Mathias
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