Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy which is directed by Let the Right One In’s Thomas Alfredson is the second adaptation of the famed John Le Carre spy thriller; it was previously turned into a TV mini-series in 1979. This film certainly has impressive credentials: it’s adapted from an acclaimed novel and features a stellar cast including Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and
Read moreStephen Spielberg’s old fashioned WW1 epic War Horse is at times thrilling and moving but too often falls victim to Spielberg’s cheesy filmmaking style. Initially set in a John Ford approved scenic English valley, the film sees young Albert (Jeremy Irvine) the son of a turnip farmer dedicating himself to raising a thoroughbred horse named Joey. When the farm falters
Read moreIt’s classic album time on Built for Speed and for January we look back at the stunning 1970 collaboration between Eric Clapton and Duane Allman on the Derek and the Dominoes album Layla. There’s also a ton of movies out in the cinemas and this week we review Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy; War Horse and Tower Heist. Don’t forget our regular round up of
Read moreIs Guy Ritchie capable of making a coherent film? On the strength of his last few films, including his latest Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, the answer is…no! With its mangled plot, obtuse dialogue, weird comedy and implausible action, this film had me constantly asking “what the hell is going on?”. What we can make out is that Holmes
Read moreI suspect the producers of Albert Nobbs hoped to benefit from the fascination with 19th century upstairs-downstairs intrigue generated by Downton Abbey. Set in a similar environment although this time it’s an upmarket Dublin hotel the film takes the notion of servants subordinated by society to a new level. This strange story of (often painful) gender bending sees a woman
Read moreThe Iron Lady which is directed by Phyllida Lloyd and stars Meryl Streep recounts the life of Margaret Thatcher Britain’s Prime Minister from 1979 – 1990. The idea of the Mamma Mia director Phylida Lloyd helming a film about Margaret Thatcher, one of the most significant and controversial political figures of the 20th century, was a dubious one. While some
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