Archive for the ‘Pop Culture’ Category

Posted on March 7, 2010 - by John

Alien prequel in 3D times 3?!

Yahoo Shadowlocked is reporting that Ridley Scott’s plans for the mooted Alien prequel include not just one film, but a whole trilogy, on top of getting the 3D treatment.

Original Alien Art Director Roger Christian is quoted as saying “Ridley told me some of his ideas when we were here in Toronto. He has a very clear understanding of where this should go. They kind of stopped dead one of the greatest horror franchises there’s ever been, and it had legs to go on. So I’m hoping he’ll revive another three. The world certainly wants it, and the fans want it—everybody.”

I am not sure where this could go but a trilogy would seem to point in the direction of a whole new cast and story arc, which would be a good thing in the hands of Scott.

UPDATE: Yahoo stole the story from Shadowlocked like a bunch of hacks. Shame on them. No linky for you.

Posted on December 11, 2009 - by John

The state of the nation’s trousers

Dunno. I just dunno. Sitting on an overcrowded train to Manchester and this kid stood up in front of me with a bag of Christmas presents to get off in the bovine hinterland of Hereford. He goes to pull up his kegs and it dawned on me that the latest craze of skinny chicken legs jeans is fuelled by the deliberate purchase of garments with insanely short inside legs. I mean, how is this allowed to to go on?! There is a good 3 or four inches of material missing from the kids trousers. Doesn’t his mother want value for money?
He pulled them up as far as he could but still walked off with his backside on display albeit for his black boxers. The less that the youth’s undergarments are available for public critique the better I reckon…

Posted on December 2, 2009 - by John

GUN – Popkiller

Gun's new album 'Popkiller'.

I caught the newly reformed Gun at Swansea Sin City last night and my ears are still ringing. Felt bad for the boys that there was not a high turnout but that said, we really got into the swing of things. They played through a string of Gun’s finest aswell as three tracks from the new ‘Popkiller’ mini-album.

With the the likes of Skin reforming, it seems there is a real shift for the British rock bands of yesteryear, and if singer Toby Jepson is to believed, it’s all down to the internet. Following the gig, I managed to to speak with Toby and he was very insightful on the position of music in 2009, the effect of Spotify and iTunes, and what our music buying habits will be in 5 years time.

For Toby, Gun is a new chance to produce music in a climate where the artist makes the rules. The proliferation of Protools and easy access to the web means that anyone can be a musician and get their songs heard. Now combine that concept with a group of guys who have been doing it for 20 years, and you have  a level of experience that can take full advantage of these options.

And that neatly takes me onto ‘Popkiller’, Gun’s  new mini-album. Why a mini-album? Is this a test the water concept? Not according to Toby, who would rather put out a succession of mini-albums multiple times a year opposed to the big release concept that consumed the music industry of yesteryear. If fans come out to the gig having downloaded some Gun material, it suits the band just fine. Buy a ticket, and while your hear  pick up a beanie hat and that ever so tempting mini-album at only £6! And why not!

One thing’s for sure, they should shift them judging by the quality on Gun 2.0’s release. It only has six songs, but each one of them is an interesting mix of the Gun of days gone by (even with an 0141 pop sensibility) without straying too far from the distorted guitars and catchy riffs. And Toby’s wider vocal range lends the songs to produce a naturally wider range than Mark Rankin era Gun. That’s not to say there Little Angels-esque screaming vocals, but there’s definitely some new Scarborough tricks to this old Glaswegian Dog.

Standout track for me is ‘Seraphina’, which is a quick paced rocker tinged in 80’s synth pop. You can certainly hear the boys have thrown in some influences from the recent 80’s revival, but that works well and should get them heard outside of the normal rock fraternity. The riffs and choruses are here in abundance and it is very easy to have the likes of ‘Let Your Hair Down’ sprint around your head for days with it’s ‘Cars’ inspired guitar riff.

‘Popkiller’ itself is just a disgustingly catchy song, reminding me very much of early ‘Feeder’ material. If I had to say what Gun sound like, I’d probably mark Feeder out as the band to compare with (if Feeder’s recent output was up to this standard though!).

Out of the five tracks, only ‘Ripping Up Letters’ returns to type, with a slower tale of forlorn love lost in friendship, and to me this is the low point of the album, as tracks either side of it are full of energy and fizz. It’s not a bad track though, but not up to the standard of  the other four.

Overall a good effort and certainly ‘Popkiller’ makes an impact. It is a must for fans of British rock music, so if you have bought Gun before, you’ll lap it up. And on evidence of this Jepson era Gun will go far, and might well grow some new fans along the way.

You can order ‘Popkiller’ from Towsend Records, and Toby Jepson is on the road in December supporting Skin.

Posted on July 30, 2009 - by John

Ianto’s Memorial

Torchwood's Hub Entrance festooned with letters to Ianto

Science fiction fans are a special bunch, and Torchwood fans are especially enthused with their show it seems. I was meeting a friend down Cardiff Bay over the weekend, and gave a brief tour. “Do you watch Torchwood? This is where it’s based” etc… and as I pointed out the “not-so-secret” entrance to the Torchwood Hub, I immediately thought “what’s that on the door…next to the flowers?!?

Anyone following the series will know of it’s perpetually high body count, and this month’s new “Children of Earth” arc was no different. There were words of condolence stuck to the door, alongside small bouqyets for Tesco £2.99 flowers in memorial to the recently deceased character of Ianto. And it brought a wry smile to my face. Some fans fave gone as far as write poems and eulegies, and while some might scoff at this, I thought it was kind of sweet.

At the end of the day, Torchwood: Children of Earth was a fantastic piece of television that is set to send the Torchwood characters to sci-fi “classic” status. Reviews of the series as aired on BBC America have been very good, and this can only be a good thing. It’s just a shame that Ianto won’t be around to enjoy the future. Rest in piece Butty, you made some good coffee.

Posted on July 11, 2009 - by John

Torchwood: Children of Earth Review

I am not the only person to think that Torchwood’s “Children of Earth” mini-series is up there with the best of Battlestar Galactica. The Guardian’s Daniel Martin thinks so, and heaps praise on the series. And rightly so. I have rarely seen science fiction encompass all aspects of drama, but CoE has a fair amount of well placed humour, action but most importantly horror. The subject matter is the definition of horrific, and the choices made by the main protagonists cast virtually everyone (apart from Gwen and Ianto) in a poor light. And that includes Captain Jack Harkness.

The Doctor Who spin-off really hits it’s stride after a lukewarm first series ramped up into a very enjoyable second. Last series, the team lost two of it’s mainstays, leaving the enigmatic Captain Jack, Gwen and Ianto behind. After last series’ Who finale, we were half expecting a slew of guest stars but they kept the core cast for CoE to a minimum. And it works well (without giving spoilers) to let the remaining three breathe a little.

The story follows a plot by an alien race only known as the ‘456′ to exchange the threat of annihilation for a ‘gift’. We learn that the Torchwood brethren have a history with them, and we flesh out some misdeeds along the way. But, strikingly, the story is wholly original in the way that it’s subject matter is the most unpalatable aspect. Some scenes were disturbing to anyone who has a child, and the stark reality depicted in the story is in contrast to the somewhat glossy look and feel of previous episodes (and Doctor Who to boot).

This was a show for adults in its subject matter opposed to the first series which seemed over the top in it’s display of sex and bad language. It represents the best of recent Doctor Who and Torchwood in its execution, direction and acting, but more importantly sets a very high standard for British drama in general. Children of Earth doesn’t wimp out at the end, which is always a worry with shows of this ilk, and maintains a firm grip on the subject matter. I thoroughly recommend this to anyone seeking a good story, very well told. 5 out of 5!

Posted on June 23, 2009 - by John

Transformers 2 is not that bad…

I don’t know what everyone is getting het up about. Really….what do people expect TF2 to be? Some sort of intergalactic Shakespearean drama? I went to see it the other night and expected a few things:

• Robots. Big ones. Hitting each other.
• A straight forward narrative.
• A good laugh.

What did I get? All three. In spades. But for some people, this seems to be a problem and I am not sure why. I love Transformers…it is to all intents my childhood encapsulated and since seeing the first version of Bayformers, it is there. Has anyone actually watched the old cartoon series recently? Is the dialogue and plotline not truly appalling in places? I think so.

There’s only one animated TF which stands above the parapet as a solid piece of work that is the 1986 movie. I love that film and what I love about it is that it still has the heart of these characters, but in an ever so slightly serious setting. This is the same as the Michael Bay movies.

You cannot take this franchise seriously, it is by definition a big dumb movie, but that seems to embarrass people from going to see it and kicking back for a few hours. I crave more of this rubbish! Nay…demand it! It is a work of art at doing what big dumb Hollywood does best and should be regarded as such. These films will never be Lawrence of Arabia. Or Goodfellas. Or Jaws. They are what they are, and what that is they do that very, very well. The comparisons with “kids toys” making serious movies (a la The Dark Knight) are so way off the mark – Superman Returns in part bombed because people could not identify with it. Batman Begins was great because it set and identifiable tone. There is not such tone here – Transformers is like looking though a window into the House of Fun. People are tall and skinny and not at all realistic.

I think part of the problem is that some “critics” (e.g. Mark “Pompoused Windbag” Kermode) have to see this film to offer a critique. And they don’t want to. They know it isn’t going to be right for them; but they are not the target demographic. But they seem incapable of offering anything other than their own perspective. Some critics say stuff along the lines of “well…if you liked the first you might like this” while other basically cast you out of the sensible public peer group and point fingers. There is nothing abhorrent about TF2. Nothing over the top offensive; sure there’s a dash of misogyny there, and frequent use of certain stereotypes but some people claiming the Twins are racist is plain stupid. And even the fact that Shia Lebeof’s college class seems to be comprised of the most “attractive” people possible is nothing that High School Musical doesn’t portray anyway. I wish these people would get a grip and stop taking blatant stupidity seriously.

That’s the film in a nutshell: two and a half hours of blatant stupidity. And I thought my £6.90 admission was bloody well spent. If you want a good ride then see it. If you are offended by big dumb explosions…stay away. Roll on Transformers 3.

Posted on March 5, 2009 - by John

I am not updating my blog

I am just too busy being academic. See you in April…

But Being Human ended well didn’t it?

Posted on February 23, 2009 - by John

Being Human – Action At Last!

At last I think BBC3’s vampire/werewolf/ghost story is coming of age – and only in the penultimate episode too! The impending war of the vampires that was touted in the original pilot seems to be taking off, and the “taking sides” angle has borne fruit. The only issue left is whether or not this is going to turn into Angel…or something else.

I can’t see it going full scale sci-fi though. The slow burning pace has worked for most of the episodes and the title’s premise of exploring our characters ‘being human’, and even with the impending doom our three reluctant humans face, I doubt there will be any Buffy type action. Or even Twilight for that matter.

Being Human has been quirky and genuinely funny. Although slightly selective with Vampire mythologies, it still works quite well. Mitchell the vamp is a bit sensitive to daylight, but it does not seem to post much of a problem, and we don’t know about garlic or crosses either. However, a good old stake in the heart still does the trick, and it is only in the fifth episode that we see a vampire busy count begin.

The only downside to the series is that all three characters don’t seem to be that special – maybe I am missing the point somewhat but the werewolf transformations only occur every other episode, and poltergeist spookiness was a bit of a damp squib. So anyone looking for a British Buffy will be disappointed. That said ‘Being Human’ is far too intelligent with its drama and humour. It will be a shame when it finishes, but overall I have been really enjoying it. Let’s just hope that the final episode packs a bite.

Posted on February 7, 2009 - by John

Benjamin Button Changed My Life

I know it sounds a little over the top, but The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has changed my life. Never in a million years did I think that a film could have such an impact on me. It is a little hard to define in words the true scale of this as both a motion picture, and a work of art but I am truly, breathtakingly staggered by it.

So, you guessed I liked the film? Well where do I start? Firstly, David Fincher has done a remarkable job and this film marks him as one of the truly great directors. It is visually stunning, from the lighting and colours that depict the warmth of Benjamin’s elderly childhood, to the brightness and clarity of the world as he grows younger in it.

The acting is superb, with both Pitt and Blanchett shine as the two age confused lovers, and we see an immaculate spectacle of virtually seamless special effects throughout. Literally, you are left wondering how did they do that? The film is the cutting edge of technology, but never once does it oppose the story telling. As a viewer you have to pinch yourself that you are not pointing out artefacts of digital processing – there is just very little to indicate that this is predominantly computer generated. Fincher’s shrewd use of light and shadow always leaves room for the audience’s interpretation, taking the pressure off the effects slightly, and making them all the more believable. But there is nothing I can say that hasn’t been pointed out by other reviews so Google them… (more…)

Posted on January 14, 2009 - by John

Brownformers: Politics In Disguise

There are a couple of things bugging me at the moment. First thing is that I am buying the Daily Mail. Yeh…I know it’s the paper of the worried well, but they’re giving away free DVDs of British Classics dramas. And I really loved “The Way We Live Now” when it originally aired around 4 years ago.

The second thing that’s bugging me is that I am ACTUALLY READING THE RAG!? Why I do not know. Saturday’s was a prime example: every page had something I disagreed with from commenting on Angelina Jolie’s shiny face (c’mon! she’s got like 23 kids and a grumpy Brad Pitt. Let her be shiny!) to the constant stream of horrible tag lines. But then there was Monday’s edition and an article on our PM Gordon Brown wanting to enlist the aid of Optimus Prime to help with the economic downturn.

I couldn’t believe it. They went on to say how he segued into the topic after talking about Christmas and he made a quip about it. Nothing more than that…although he should have known better. But then trust the luddites in the Mail to write this up as a full article.

They go on to describe the characteristics of the Autobot leader as “the greatest in a long line of Autobot leaders, Optimus Prime is a beacon of hope to those who suffer under the tyranny of Megatron”. And they don’t even say who Megatron is. WHO IS HE? Mail readers don’t sodding know! I KNOW! THEY DON’T! Who? David Flaming Cameron???! I mean they’re quoting TOY PACKAGING FOR *&%$’s SAKE!!

Someone ought to shoot the whole office of the Daily Mail with some kind of laxative gun for penance. This isn’t journalism – it’s a joke written by idiots, for idiots!

If you must read it, it’s here.