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Doctor Who - Series 11 (New Season 11)
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The eleventh series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who is set to...
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Lady In The Van (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
In the last two decades America has seen an almost literal ‘invasion’ of British film and television programming. Like the British ‘music invasion’ some 60 years ago we just can’t seem to get enough of it. Today’s film for your consideration is the 2015 British dramatic comedy ‘The Lady In The Van’. Based upon the 1999 West End play of the same name written by Alan Bennett and starring famed British actress Maggie Smith, who also portrayed the lead in the original stage production at Queens Theater in London and again in a 2009 BBC 4 radio adaption, ‘The Lady In The Van’ follows the true story of Maggie Shepherd. An elderly lady who lived in a rundown van in Bennett’s driveway for 15 years.
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, who also directed the stage play, the film stars legendary British actress Maggie Smith as Maggie Shepherd, Alex Jennings as Alan Bennett, Jim Broadbent as Underwood, Deborah Findlay as Pauline, Roger Allam as Rufus, Gwen Taylor as Mam, Cecillia Noble as Miss Brisco, Nicholas Burns as Giles Perry, Pandora Colin as Mrs Perry, and Frances de la Tour As Ursula Vaughan Williams.
‘The Lady In The Van’ follows the true story of playwright Alan Bennett’s strained and tested relationship with Miss Maggie Shepherd. An eccentric and frightened homeless woman whom he befriended in the 1970s shortly after he moved into London’s Camden neighborhood. Originally, Bennett invites Shepherd to park her aging Bedford van in his driveway so she can list it as an address in order to collect benefits and eventually move on. Instead, Shepherd ends up living in the van in Bennett’s driveway for 15 years. Just before her death in 1989, Alan learns that Maggie Shepherd is actually Margaret Fairchild. A gifted piano player who was a pupil of pianist Alfred Cortot and had a fondness for Chopin. So much so that when she tried to become a nun, she was kicked out of her religious order twice for wanting to play music. Bennett also learns that the reason Shepherd was homeless was that she was on the run for leaving the scene of a crime she didn’t commit after escaping an institution where she’d been committed by her own brother.
I found this movie to be a prime example of the concept ‘Everyone Has A Story To Tell’. Whether the person wants to tell the story or not is a whole other idea entirely. The strange friendship between Bennett and Shepherd is certainly an unusual one to be sure. While Bennett’s neighbors would be happy to see they as they describe ‘the crazy old lady leave the neighborhood, Bennett seems to follow his writer’s instincts and also his humanity. Maggie Smith’s and Alex Jennings’s performances as the oddly paired friends go far in helping to comprehend what went on between the two. Shepherd and Bennett both excelled as artists in their own way. One as a writer one as a musician. Both kinds of artists tell stories thorough their respective crafts. In this case though, the writer (Bennett) had the ‘responsibility’ of telling Shepherd’s story after debating with himself more than once whether he had the right to do so and whether it was moral or not. On top of that, it took over a decade to find the answers Bennett was looking for. In the end, it seems Bennett did what writers do. They use what’s around them in their lives to write about. And perhaps, by doing so, he helped give Shepherd some sort of closure and perhaps peace as well just before her death.
I’m going to give this film 4 out of 5 stars. The movie clocks in at 104 minutes so it is a long movie but honestly, how can you say ‘no’ to a movie with Maggie Smith? Honestly, explain that one to me. She definitely ‘carries the film’ with her performance as Miss Mary Shepherd but the combination of her performance and that of Alex Jennings as the writer Alan Bennett that really make the film. I think another one of the reasons this film was good was because you had so many of the people that were involved in the original play that worked on the film itself. I personally find some British films, comedies in particular, to be a bit quirky sometimes. As funny as British humor is its sometimes difficult to grasp at first and there’s a bit of that in this film. Don’t let that discourage you though. If you can find an awesome art house movie theater, I’d certainly recommend going to catch it there. If you can’t, watch it online.
This is your friendly neighborhood freelance photographer and movie fanatic ‘The CameraMan’ and on behalf of my fellows at Skewed & Reviewed I’d like to say ‘Thanks For Reading’ and we’ll see you at the movies.
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, who also directed the stage play, the film stars legendary British actress Maggie Smith as Maggie Shepherd, Alex Jennings as Alan Bennett, Jim Broadbent as Underwood, Deborah Findlay as Pauline, Roger Allam as Rufus, Gwen Taylor as Mam, Cecillia Noble as Miss Brisco, Nicholas Burns as Giles Perry, Pandora Colin as Mrs Perry, and Frances de la Tour As Ursula Vaughan Williams.
‘The Lady In The Van’ follows the true story of playwright Alan Bennett’s strained and tested relationship with Miss Maggie Shepherd. An eccentric and frightened homeless woman whom he befriended in the 1970s shortly after he moved into London’s Camden neighborhood. Originally, Bennett invites Shepherd to park her aging Bedford van in his driveway so she can list it as an address in order to collect benefits and eventually move on. Instead, Shepherd ends up living in the van in Bennett’s driveway for 15 years. Just before her death in 1989, Alan learns that Maggie Shepherd is actually Margaret Fairchild. A gifted piano player who was a pupil of pianist Alfred Cortot and had a fondness for Chopin. So much so that when she tried to become a nun, she was kicked out of her religious order twice for wanting to play music. Bennett also learns that the reason Shepherd was homeless was that she was on the run for leaving the scene of a crime she didn’t commit after escaping an institution where she’d been committed by her own brother.
I found this movie to be a prime example of the concept ‘Everyone Has A Story To Tell’. Whether the person wants to tell the story or not is a whole other idea entirely. The strange friendship between Bennett and Shepherd is certainly an unusual one to be sure. While Bennett’s neighbors would be happy to see they as they describe ‘the crazy old lady leave the neighborhood, Bennett seems to follow his writer’s instincts and also his humanity. Maggie Smith’s and Alex Jennings’s performances as the oddly paired friends go far in helping to comprehend what went on between the two. Shepherd and Bennett both excelled as artists in their own way. One as a writer one as a musician. Both kinds of artists tell stories thorough their respective crafts. In this case though, the writer (Bennett) had the ‘responsibility’ of telling Shepherd’s story after debating with himself more than once whether he had the right to do so and whether it was moral or not. On top of that, it took over a decade to find the answers Bennett was looking for. In the end, it seems Bennett did what writers do. They use what’s around them in their lives to write about. And perhaps, by doing so, he helped give Shepherd some sort of closure and perhaps peace as well just before her death.
I’m going to give this film 4 out of 5 stars. The movie clocks in at 104 minutes so it is a long movie but honestly, how can you say ‘no’ to a movie with Maggie Smith? Honestly, explain that one to me. She definitely ‘carries the film’ with her performance as Miss Mary Shepherd but the combination of her performance and that of Alex Jennings as the writer Alan Bennett that really make the film. I think another one of the reasons this film was good was because you had so many of the people that were involved in the original play that worked on the film itself. I personally find some British films, comedies in particular, to be a bit quirky sometimes. As funny as British humor is its sometimes difficult to grasp at first and there’s a bit of that in this film. Don’t let that discourage you though. If you can find an awesome art house movie theater, I’d certainly recommend going to catch it there. If you can’t, watch it online.
This is your friendly neighborhood freelance photographer and movie fanatic ‘The CameraMan’ and on behalf of my fellows at Skewed & Reviewed I’d like to say ‘Thanks For Reading’ and we’ll see you at the movies.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Allied (2016) in Movies
Aug 26, 2017
Tense, gripping, rather quite sad
I was a bit initially sceptical about this film, which I am with any film including Brad Pitt, however, it was much better than expected. First of all hats off to Marion Cottilard once again, for giving a powerful performance, and well done to Brad Pitt and his great efforts in speaking quite a considerable amount of French in the film. It is tense, and harrowing, as Brad Pitt, a Canadian high-ranking officer working in the British Army is put in the worst position possible - causing him to doubt his own wife. I admit, I sobbed a bit at the end. Not bad at all.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Ghost Stories (2018) in Movies
Apr 21, 2018
Good cast (1 more)
Some creepy moments
Disappointing
I was looking forward to this British Horror as it looked a bit different to most horror films.
Unfortunately the early part of the film relies too much on jump scares and loud noises. The first horror tale was eerie but not scary. The second was more creepy and uneasy, although cut a bit short I felt. The third was ok but then it starts to get a bit weird.
I didn't like the ending much and thought it took something away from the film by changing the whole feel of the film. Something of a marmite film I think.
Unfortunately the early part of the film relies too much on jump scares and loud noises. The first horror tale was eerie but not scary. The second was more creepy and uneasy, although cut a bit short I felt. The third was ok but then it starts to get a bit weird.
I didn't like the ending much and thought it took something away from the film by changing the whole feel of the film. Something of a marmite film I think.
David (771 KP) rated Me Before You (2016) in Movies
Mar 4, 2019
You will cry
"If you don't cry, then you are a psychopath" is what my girlfriend said to me before starting the film.
I don't think Emilia Clarke actually acted in this film, I think we see how funny and quirky she is in real life.
As with most British films we have plenty of humour, some drama and some sad bits and this film delivered on them all.
It is a great film, very well acted and shot in some stunning places.
I am not ashamed to say that I did cry at the end and challenge anyone to say they didn't after watching it.
I don't think Emilia Clarke actually acted in this film, I think we see how funny and quirky she is in real life.
As with most British films we have plenty of humour, some drama and some sad bits and this film delivered on them all.
It is a great film, very well acted and shot in some stunning places.
I am not ashamed to say that I did cry at the end and challenge anyone to say they didn't after watching it.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated Kick-Ass (2010) in Movies
Apr 22, 2019
When I grow up, I want to be Hit Girl!
I really like this film, and I’ve watched it more than once! It’s very cartoonish in its delivery, and that’s just fine by me! Although that is kind of counteracted by the extreme violence and the language (I have to admit that I laughed A LOT when Hit Girl uses the ‘C’ word - I think that’s a British thing, possibly ??♀️) .
I’ve no doubt this will get watched again in my house - I have two teenaged boys who have been brought up in a house of graphic novels and superhero/ Marvel/ DC movies, so it’s a strong likelihood!
I’ve no doubt this will get watched again in my house - I have two teenaged boys who have been brought up in a house of graphic novels and superhero/ Marvel/ DC movies, so it’s a strong likelihood!
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated The Lost City of Z (2017) in Movies
Feb 7, 2018
Looking for a lost city
A british soldiers true story right before WW1 is sent to south america to map out the area. During his trip he learns of old civilizations and possibly a lost city with fame a fortune. He goes back home to fight in WW1 and is injured in a mustard gas attack and is told not to return in search of his lost city. His oldest son convinces him other wise and they return to try and find this lost city only to be never heard from again.
Considering it was based on a true story it wasn't bad but just was very very boring
Considering it was based on a true story it wasn't bad but just was very very boring
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Ether One in Video Games
Aug 16, 2019
An open minded debut
Ether One is a first-person adventure game developed by British independent company White Paper Games. It was the studio's debut game and was originally released for Microsoft Windows on March 25, 2014. A PlayStation 4 edition was released on May 5, 2015.
The fragility of the human mind is the subject of Ether One, a moving first-person adventure that subtly experiments with your feelings. Choose one of two paths through the world. One lets you play through the game at your own pace, unfolding a story free from puzzles or challenges.
The fragility of the human mind is the subject of Ether One, a moving first-person adventure that subtly experiments with your feelings. Choose one of two paths through the world. One lets you play through the game at your own pace, unfolding a story free from puzzles or challenges.
Vegas (725 KP) rated Shakespeare and Hathaway in TV
Nov 9, 2019 (Updated Nov 9, 2019)
Easy watching (1 more)
The setting
A guilty pleasure
If I’m honest I probably shouldn’t give it top rating, because, it’s a twee, daytime tv, light hearted crime drama that is over cutesy... That being said, I love it almost as much as my favourite Brit drama, Death in Paradise... It is a charming break from all the violent dramas that pepper our screens these days, the main 3 cast members really work well together as a mismatched pair of Investigators and their wannabe thespian assistant Sebastián. A supporting guest cast of actors who have cropped up in many British dramas bring the whole show together a treat...
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