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Reviews
Babylon A.D. (2008)
Coq au Vin
What a shame. This film could have been good, not great, but in reality it barely reaches passable. A strong opening is ham-fistedly segued into an inexplicable ending, perhaps in the attempt to communicate hidden meaning which simply isn't there.
The director clearly lost his passion somewhere along the way and there won't be many superlatives from me for his style or execution. Likewise, the acting fails to inspire. In terms of characterisation: characters are introduced and killed for the sake of it on a regular basis, some of them seemingly major, leaving the movie with nowhere to turn. The faintly ridiculous nuclear missile killing of Gerard Depardeu's character was particularly pointless. Expect conflict for conflict's sake.
There are so many unanswered questions in this movie; plot lines that are opened and never closed. Perhaps it was an attempt to seem esoteric and ambiguous, when in reality this is probably the least clever film you'll see this year.
If only they'd spent the money on writers rather than effects, this could have been great. But the strategy was clear: make an exciting trailer, rob the public of their money and then under-deliver. Because they can, right? What a waste of potential.
Commercial Breakdown (1989)
Heartwrenching
A tear-jerker of the highest order, Commercial Breakdown combines a true love story with a haunting soundtrack to create an illusion of a disparaging world devoid of light and soul.
Arguably McGrath's finest work - a masterpiece of presentation. The lighting and sound contribute to an enchanting ensemble of elements which rouse the spirit and simultaneously devours the nonchalance of humanity.
It is said in hushed voices behind closed doors that the tagline to Commercial Breakdown is "ex rory, scienta" (from Rory, science). It doesn't surprise me. A programme of the highest reverence, Commercial Breakdown will have you crying out of all three of your eyes.
A cracking watch.
University Challenge (1962)
Harrowingly tough
I appeared on University Challenge in 2002 and can confirm beyond doubt that it's the most harrowingly tough show on TV. The questions are unrivalled in their difficulty, easily surpassing the relative inobscurity of Mastermind general knowledge questions.
Paxman's sarcastic nature is, however, more than a little grating. His presentation comes across as nothing short of sneering and his snorting and derisory laughter at even slightly incorrect answers makes him look, at times, like a poor man's Anne Robinson: something which would no doubt horrify him if he realised.
I cringe every time an Oxford scholar is cut down to size with a cackling laugh and a "nooooooooo" every time they mispronounce a chemical element. There will be some who enjoy this.
All in all, UC is for those who like a challenge, whether you're competing or just watching at home.
Stalker Guilt Syndrome (2002)
An uncanny insight into the neurotic male mind
We've all done it - you're sat on a packed train and for a moment you realise that your random glances around the carriage have landed on a girl's eyes, and they are looking back at you. You wonder if they are staring at you. Could there be more to it? Does she *like* me? So begins Stalker Guilt Syndrome - a short film in which we hear the thoughts of a guy just trying to get to his girlfriend's apartment.
Only, while the main character might appear to be a normal guy and have normal thoughts it soon emerges that he is a hapless neurotic, with a hilarious outcome.
They both get off at the same stop. They both head in the same direction. They both head towards the same street. He thinks she thinks he's following her, she thinks he's following her. Comedy ensues.
There are dark undertones to Stalker Guilt Syndrome, there's no denying it, but this is a hilarious watch and I suggest you check it out pronto. I first saw it one night on TV, but the film is now available for free (and legally so) on Atom Films.
You won't be disappointed.