Archive
Category: Articles
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Don Giovanni
Unambitious production of Mozart’s classic. Lacklustre set and fairly conservative staging are countered by a very good orchestral accompaniment (marring some clumsy passages from the upper strings) and some excellent singing by the lead roles. Like most Mozart, this is light-hearted and engaging opera and the production delights in these qualities — a very accessible… Read more →
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84 Charing Cross Road
A captivating adaptation of the 1970 book by Helene Hanff detailing an international correspondence between her and a rare bookshop on Charing Cross Road, London, England. Moving in parts and a little slow in others, the film presents an insightful if unhurried picture of international correspondence in the 1950s, and highlights some of the cultural… Read more →
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Stardust
Partakes of the fairytale genre’s conventions to an astonishing extent yet manages to avoid banality through irony and humour; its characters may have been walking clichés, but they excude charm and magic. Recommended. Verdict: ★★★★☆ (80/100) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486655/ Read more →
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London 2006
Arrival Heathrow, taxi and first impressions. Accommodation Orientation Walking to the Thames. Climbing the tower. Architecture and History Out and About in Central London Parklands Jetsetting Read more →
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Alcina
Stunning baroque opera; Handel at the height of his powers. Verdict: ★★★★☆ (80/100) Read more →
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Sunshine
Awful, awful science fiction film about a group of astronauts on a mission to restart the sun; about as interesting as it is plausible: the ship’s computer, ‘Icarus’, is a pale imitation of the HAL 9000, the characters are of the cardboard and completely irrational variety; music is more suited to a teenage horror film… Read more →
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A Perfect World
Interesting film about an escaped convict and his 8 year old hostage; the child is a somewhat implausible character but the dynamic between the two characters is interesting and nuanced. The plot is frustratingly unremarkable. Verdict: ★★☆☆☆ (40/100) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107808/ Read more →